On Friday evening The Giant’s Trail Race 2019 took place in Belfast. The route takes in some of the most scenic trails in Belfast with a few hills thrown in for fun .
Three of our members took this race on in sticky heat , Denise O’Hagan completed the course in 1.03.07 with Pauline O’Hara following in 1.07.45 for the tough 6 mile course .
Rónán Davison-Kernan also took on the Giant and finished in 42.20 for a superb 29th place overall in a highly competitive field . Well done folks Arf ! Arf !
Congratulations to BARF ultra athlete Jackie Toal who has just finished in the top ten at the notoriously tough Ronda dels Cims race in Andorra. Taking in over 13500 metres of elevation gain over a distance of 170 km Jackie completed the course in a superb 51 hours for 7th lady in this highly competitive race . Well done Jackie .Arf ! Arf !
On Saturday morning Aaron Shimmons took on the Mourne 500. A gruelling route around the Mourne Mountains taking in all 39 summits over 500 metres in height, over 60 km in distance, and total elevation gain of 5000 metres. It also has to be completely unsupported and everything needed has to be carried by the challenger. Aaron completed the route in 12 hours 38 minutes breaking the previous record held by Billy Reed of 13.10. His route choice took him to a distance of 62.5 k in what was superb run. Aaron’s local knowledge definitely proving beneficial as he prepares for even bigger challenges ahead!
Well done Arf! Arf!
Well done to Taryn McCoy and Joanne Curran who are currently taking on some spectacular climbs in the Chamonix Mont Blanc region of the Alps as part of the Mountaineering Ireland Summer Alpine Meet . Well done folks Arf ! Arf !
Time to get your entries in for the 40th anniversary of the Mourne Mountain Marathon, Ireland’s only two day endurance and navigation event – 21st & 22nd Sept 2019 🏕👟🥾
It’s a competitive event for teams of two, who can enter one of four categories, covering between 35km and 55km over two days. There is also a one day score category.
At the start of each day teams are presented with a route card listing a number of control markers which are identified by 6-figure map references. They must visit each control in the prescribed order but may choose their own route between each marker. A feature of the event is the overnight camp at which all teams must be self-sufficient with everything being carried throughout the two days of competition. Walkers to elite runners.
Find out more and enter here: http://mourne2day.com/<https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fmourne2day.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0TiDZh6L79K7823Q_ecHWpvdJQ0DQKpKpuT-37o0LHPi0Q39mZs02fGEY&h=AT3ESdQoYyeE_SxFlqv3v6neNrNpXaNjwC2oKJ4k_4NJ9bkn3XCN2RgLMxtoK1luLHUYdqtJ9xZjf6x7sD3bChlezpC2J6RgM3S0CYLJ0fpxJeielADPFyEjCUH8BZ–qJEqbPuvjZoA>
Peter Thompson travelled south this weekend to take on the tough Glendalough Tucker Trail , an 80 k trail race with over 2000 metres elevation . He stormed home in under 8 hours 30 mins to take an impressive 4th place overall . Superb running from Peter in one of his first ultra outings .
One to watch on the ultra scene for sure in the future ! Arf ! Arf !
This year’s Mourne Sevens Seven’s Race on the 10th August will start from its traditional start at the Pavilion in Donard Park as Shimna College is unavailable. The race will be held in conjunction with the annual challenge walk and will be in an anticlockwise direction, which is Slieve Donard and Commedagh first followed by Bernagh, the Meels, Bencrom Dam, Binnian, Lamagan then back to the finish line in Donard Park. Marshals will be at the cols between Donard / Commedagh, Hares gap, Meelmore/ MeelBeg, The Dam and Binnian/Lamagan which you check into after completing Binnian.
It will be an entry on the day race costing £10.00 for registered runners (£11.00 unregistered) and entry’s will be taken from 8.00am until 9.40am. The race will start at 10.00 promptly. Please do not enter the race if you are a walker who has failed to get an entry for the walk, as there are cut off times which you will fail to make unless you are running. The main cut off time is 14.30 at the Ben Crom Dam which is half way round the route. I have decided to have a second cut off time of 12.00 at the col between Slieve Donard and Slieve Commedagh, as anybody going at that pace is unlikely to make the Dam cut off time.
When you enter the race you will be issued with a set of green plastic tabs and an electronic Si dibber. Insert the dipper into the control boxes on the Summits and at the Dam to record your times. Hand a green tab to each group of marshals you pass and this way we know exactly where you have been. At the finish hand in the dipper and your last remaining plastic tab which will be a small white one.
This is the longest toughest race on the NIMRA calendar so come prepared for any eventuality. Full waterproof kit, gloves and hat must be carried together with map, compass, whistle and food. We would recommend that a space blanket or better still the bag version is carried as it could save your life if you go down injured in bad weather conditions – yes we have previously dealt with hypothermia cases during this event in beautiful summery August….. So as I said before, be ready for any eventuality. If the weather forecast is for hot conditions, remember that water is in short supply for long sections of the route so plan accordingly. If you are carrying a phone the emergency event number is 07802 691540.
All the best with your preparations and if you are not running but are available to help out please get in touch as it is always a challenge getting enough helpers to ensure the success of the event.
Jim Brown.
Victoria Park Belfast was the setting once again for last ever Energia24 race last Saturday. A lap around the park of just over a mile for as many times as your feet ,head and stomach will let you run. Three BARF runners would take on this challenge on what was a very warm weekend making for even more of a challenge .
Phil Ward (above) was back again looking to improve on his last go at this event . He had a strong 24 hours of running and duct taping his chafing areas to complete 77 miles which is 5 miles more than his last effort so he went home very happy and tired but didn’t stop him going for a dip in the sea the next day .
Glen Blake was competing in his first Energia24 and had a very strong race despite a lot of niggling injuries in the build up . Glen hit his goal of 100 miles finishing with 100.62 in total and again went home satisfied but vowing to get back to the mountains now .
Susan Mc Cartney is no stranger to this type of event and has all the experience and knowledge to manage these races . Susan completed 104.73 miles once again breaking the 100 mile barrier in 24 hours .
Impressive efforts from our purple heroes and a well earned rest for sure . Arf ! Arf!
Last a Friday saw the end of the Hill and Dale series with the short and fast Drinahilly race followed by the series prize giving . On the night Colin Pascoe had a very strong run finishing 5th overall and first in his category. There was also category wins for Jim Brown and Stephanie Pruzina continuing strong form in the series for the club . Rónán Kernan-Davison,Andy Bridge , Gary Longridge, Clarke Campbell and Stephen Waterworth had strong runs on the night . Another good turnout for the club so well done all.
Final Series Results –
After the race the final results and prizes were presented with some notable performances from club members throughout the categories.
Stephanie Pruzina was second overall in her category as was Colin Pascoe and Jim Brown making podiums for the club . Rónán Davison-Kernan finished in a strong 11th on the overall standings showing very consistently strong racing throughout and Declan Mc Grellis was 4th in his category also . Well done to all on super turnouts throughout the series and congratulations on strong running each week ! Onwards and upwards Arf ! Arf !