Tag Archives: mournes

BARF Respond to NIMRA Litter Sweep of Mournes

Saturday 9th April 2016 will see NIMRA host a British Championship round fell race covering a horseshoe route taking in Slieve Donard and Commedagh.

In an effort to address the increasing litter issues within Donard Wood, and hotspots of the high cols and stiles along the race route, NIMRA requested running clubs assist with a litter sweep over the weekend of Sat-Sun 2/3 April. To this call, BARF took up the challenge and turned out in numbers over both days and assisted fellow runners with sweeps in Donard Wood on Sat morning and high cols/stiles on Sun morning. This proved to be a great success as evident by the vast amount of rubbish lifted and removed. The efforts over the 2 days were recognised by passing members of the public who praised the actions…and even joined in. 

 

A big thank you to all involved. Good luck to all running in the Championship race…and hopefully you will notice a great improvement in the environment!

BARF Club and Family members show their support for Mourne Mountain Rescue Team (MMRT)

On Friday 31st July a number of BARF members and family met at Donard carpark for a trek to the summit of Slieve Donard 852m, Northern Ireland’s highest mountain. ’OH NO, I hear you shout, not another charity event up Donard!!! But this was a walk with a difference. The plan was to start off at 10pm and reach the summit just before midnite, and experience the wonders of the Bluemoon whilst sharing a refreshment or two with like minded friends. And make a donation in the MMRT bucket at the start.
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Mumblings of a new BARFer

I used to admire those Purple People from a distance. I marvelled at the way they shone with such vibrant health. They never seemed to sweat. They were so smooth even the wettest peat refused to stick to their legs. I would end races bedraggled, puffing and drenched. If I joined the world of BARF would I too glide serenely across the Fells of Ulster ? But what if they were some strange cult ! A coven of purpley mudclaw clad witches and wizards. But I was drawn into the vortex. For years I resisted. Intimidated by words like “Ultra” and “Run”. Then the shadowy Aaron Shimmons whispered in my ear, “Just joining BARF will make you quicker.”…. “It’s magic” he said as he sat hunched and muttering over a boiling pot of frogs. I took the plunge. I even enjoyed the blood letting initiation under the full moon on the summit of Donard. As the BARF members danced naked around me I at last felt that sense of brotherhood that had been missing from my life. Continue reading →