The Montane Lakeland 100 is now known as the ‘must do’ UK Ultra, not just because of the awesome running, but because of the ‘legendary’ event that surrounds it. First coming to my attention a few years back via club member Phil Hodge and then more recently while staying in the lakes last year, I thought it a great way to explore more of the Lake District. I’ve since discovered cycling and open top bus tours among other options that exist! Anyhow, with the ballot for entries opening in September, I put my name forward and was successful gaining a place.

With the idea that a good result in the Spine Challenger, followed by a good season of preparation, the LL100 should be a pleasure. This didn’t take into consideration post run DVT and a strict 3 month recovery period… and general advice from the Clot Clinic to stop running. So, with the only certainty being uncertainty I started to build my miles back up slowly in the hope that I would make the start line… which I did, the finish line however was another matter.

The LL100 is actually 105 miles with an eye watering 6856 metres of ascent/descent, starting and finishing in the village of Coniston in the southern reaches of the Lake District. It sees on average 600 entrants with a further 1700 entrants on the accompanying LL50. Though with a 40-50% attrition rate, numbers on the route are gradually somewhat less. The LL100 starts at 6pm on the Friday evening with a 40 hr cut off. While with a 24 hr cut off, the LL50 starts at 11.30am the following morning for the final 50 miles. Those completing either distance gain the status of Lakeland ‘Legends’ and the obligatory T-Shirt and Medal. Continue reading →

Report by Siobhan Grant

As summer comes to an end and for many 11 year olds, it marks the start of a new journey. Leaving behind their Primary school and moving to new schools and making new friends, it’s a lot to digest. For local athlete, Maisie McVeigh, that isn’t the only new journey that she will be embracing.

Toeing the line at Strangford 5k on Friday evening, in yellow and red, marked the first event where Maisie would be representing her new club, Newcastle AC. Joining her dad Connaire and brothers Connaire Og and Harry at the club.

True to form Maisie has not let her recent podium win in Ardglass go to her head. Keeping her training consistent and varied before launching into another competitive race.

In the wake of Ardglass’ undulating route Maisie decided that sticking with a similar styled local event and keeping it near the Lecale Way on a calm Friday evening was a good choice. Although this route did pose its challenges she ran a smart race and accelerated at the right point to secure another win for the dedicated and relentless youngster, which secured first lady home in the 5k in 22.31.

Her biggest fan, little Tilly is looking forward to a treat with her big sisters winnings.

Dad Connaire, didn’t disappoint either, returning to the race that he previously took 3rd place in. This year he secured a convincing 6th place in the 10k in amongst a very competitive and fast field in 37.47.

A huge thank you to the committee at Strangford Festival and all the volunteers around the whole route for ensuring the smooth running of both races.

On 15^th August 1992 the Spartan Red Sox hosted the very first “Seven Sevens”, with just 15 participants. At the time it was popularly believed that there were 7 mountains over 700m in height and whilst that was corrected in later years by Ordnance Survey, the name had stuck.

That initial day 30 years ago included only four runners; Marty McVeigh, Kevin Quinn (both Newcastle AC), Martin McNiff & Jim Brown (BARF)…indeed Jim remains the current Race Director. It is creditable to note that all four of these pioneers completed the circuit within six hours.

The seven summits which have to be completed in the race are Donard, Commedagh, Bernagh, Meelmore, Meelbeg, Binnian & Lamagan with the course direction alternating annually. The overall course length is 18 miles and covers 2,500 meters of vertical ascent.

This years event was an anti-clockwise affair and took place on Saturday 6^th August with 73 runners putting their toe to the line – Newcastle AC had five competitors.

Newcastle AC’s Mark King, Pete Grant, Rachel Wallace, Alan Ritchie & Gary McEvoy prior to the start.

Given the firm ground conditions and favourable visibility the day had all the ingredients for a fast race, the only downside for the participants being the higher than comfortable temperatures. Continue reading →

Dromara’s Zak Hanna was in Austria last weekend after his success in the European Athletics Off-Road Championships in La Palma, Canaries. The Newcastle & District AC athlete was participating in the 2nd race of the 2022 World Cup Series after his brilliant 2nd place in the 1st race in the Series in Portugal in June which was followed by a fine 5th in the Canaries.

The Grossglocknerberglauf covers 13.4km and finished high up in the glacier after 1265m of ascent.

Hanna in his playground high above the glacial lake below in the shadow of Grossglockner

Hanna is making a big name for himself globally in the mountain running scene and he was off at the start in a big leading bunch which included 30 minutes track 10000m and 62 minute half marathon Kenyans and Italians. He admits himself that he didn’t feel that great over the first half of the race but in the second half as the going got steeper he felt more limk himself. Overall he finished 13th in 1 hour 17 minutes and 21 seconds and is already looking forward to next week’s even tougher race La Montée du Nid d’Aigle from St Gervais les Bains in the Chamonix Valley in France (Saturday covering 19km and over 2000m of climb).

Going into race 3 of the World Cup Series in France, Hanna still lies in 2nd place behind Kenya’s Patrick Kipngeno. Continue reading →