Final NIMRA race for 2022

Report by Newcastle AC

Saturday 24th September was the final race of the 2022 NIMRA championship with the medium category Buzzards Roost, hosted by Mourne Runners. Starting and finishing at Carrick Little, the route is a fast start up the track alongside the wood to the Annalong Valley before snaking up and around the Cove cave to the lower Cove plain and the first checkpoint. Speeding up again briefly the next climb isn’t too far away to checkpoint 2 at the Cove-Lamagan col, then it’s a gradual push again to Lamagans summit at 702m. An extremely technical descent then follows off its boulder strewn south west face, hitting the col above the Blue Lough towards Binnian. Another tough climb to the North Tor is followed by a long run over the ridge to the last checkpoint at Binnians summit (747m) which is then followed by the tricky descent down along the Mourne Wall to the finish.

The weather worked out well on the day for the race, a stiff enough breeze only confined to the summit tops. Whilst numbers were slightly lower on the day due to a few more races held on the same date, this did not lessen the quality of the field, which was a multitude of the best fell runners in the country at present. This manifested into some great battles across the 7.5 miles. Taking on plenty at the higher end was Pete Grant, who has had a superb season. He found himself neck and neck as he did in the Seven Sevens race with Conor Duffy and Declan McGrellis. Coming 18th overall in 1:29:16 Pete took the MV50 category win, and has no doubt claimed the MV50 overall title to sit beside his Hill & Dale one he acquired earlier in the season! Continue reading →

Now into its 43rd year The Mourne Mountain Marathon could be described as the yearly ‘main event’ for any outdoor pursuits activities based within our famous local range. Bringing together ordinary hill walkers and new hikers with experienced fell runners, ultra finishers and seasoned orienteers, there is something available for everyone at this brilliantly organised event. There are 4 category classes ranging from Elite, B, C & D courses, Elite usually takes in 55km over the 2 days, while D class would be around 35km with significantly less climbing or going off the beaten track! Also available is a 1 day option which is the Score class, the aim of which is to visit as many checkpoints in 6 hours as possible, highest score wins.

The goal of the weekend is to follow an unknown course which is only revealed to paired up competitors in grid ref figures when they cross the start line. Once plotted onto the map, they must visit each checkpoint in the order listed in as quick time as possible, a single one missed results in disqualification. You also have the luxury of having to be completely self-sufficient for the weekend, carrying all equipment and food to survive the approx. 36 hours on the hills, with a designated campsite available on the Saturday evening. Continue reading →

This year’s 21st World Master Mountain Running Championship was held in Ireland for the first time, with host town being Clonmel. With the competition being local, many runners took park from all over Ireland. Age categories start at 35 with 5-year steps up to 75. Runners from both Newcastle AC and regulars from the local Hill and Dale series where well represented.

Jim Patterson won his race to collect his 3rd  Gold Medal, adding to the two he won the 70 categories a few years earlier. In addition to his individual Jim was also part of the GB team winning a team Gold. Newcastle’s Ernie Hall finished an excellent 6th planning in the 70 categories picking up a GB team Silver Medal. Eamon McCrickard and Deon McNeilly took part in 55 category running representing Ireland finishing 21st and 19th respectively.

Training plans are already being discussed for the 22nd Championships next September which take place on the Island of Maderia.

Aine McNeill, Francis Nuggent, Anne Sandford, Eamon McCrickard, Ernie Hall, Jim Patterson, Deon McNeilly, Cathal McGreevey, Paul Le Blanc

Jim Patterson