Bob Graham Round

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Phil Hodge & Declan Faulkner plan on Saturday evening at 6pm to start out on the Bob Graham Round.

Phil sustained an injury during a Hill & Dale race in May 2017, that meant he had to opt out of Stephen Wallace’s, Dominic McInerney’s and Mark King’s successful round in 2017.

By Sunday at 6pm he hopes to put that right.

The Bob Graham Round is a 66 mile, 42 peak, 27000ft of climbing circuit of the English Lake District, which must be undertaken in less than 24hrs to be successful.

Mark, Stevie and Dominic will support Declan & Phil in there attempt, along with the extensive support crew off:-
Steve Wathall (local)
Kathleen Monteverde
Justin Bramell (local)
Billy Reed
Colin Brennan
Oisin Brennan
Rob Jones
Charmain Heaton (local and key supporter of Nicky Spinks)
Paul Tierney (fresh of his Wainwright record!)

Declan & Phils progress can be followed at the following link: http://live.opentracking.co.uk/bgr2019/

Congratulations Calum!

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As a result of finishing in the top 8 at the National Primary Schools Athletics Finals, held at the Mary Peters Track on 21 June, Calum Cope has been invited to attend the Belfast International Track & Field meet, also at the Mary Peters Track, on 1 August. The Primary School event will incorporate a 60m sprint, long jump and javelin.

Fast, furious fun for all the family

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A preview of the 4th annual Ford 5k by Bogusboy

Following the success of the three previous events, Bryansford GAC is pleased to announce the fourth annual running of the ‘Ford 5k. Last year the race was a little later in the year, taking place 11am on Saturday 29th September. This year, the event reverts to Friday July 5th with a 7:30pm start time in the hope that many will be able to take part before going on their holidays.  The course is the same as last year, with the changes to the original course very well received by those who took part in 2018. The modifications turned an already fast course into an even faster one.  The start will be further down the Castlewellan Road, close to the entrance to the Sunnyholme Caravan Park. Once past the St. Patrick’s Park, there will be a lap of the town heading out to the roundabout on the Bryansford Road before turning back towards the town and going back to the Park where the race will finish with almost a lap of the pitch. With good weather expected and the town busy on the first Friday of the summer holidays, it will be a great spectacle. Continue reading →

Lynch Storms To Victory At Spelga

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Saturday 29th June saw Race 7 of the Nimra championship, which took place at Spelga Dam, the aptly named Spelga Skyline. The typical Mourne weather of passing showers and fog did not deter the 77 entries. At 11am, in true fell racing fashion, they took to the line on the side of Butter Mountain.

The route summits Butter Mountain first before dropping down the other side at Ott car park, crossing the road to take in Meelbeg, Loughshannagh and Slieve Muck before dropping down again to cross the road at the Deers Meadow. From here the runners summited Slievemoughanmore, Pierces Castle, Rocky, Hen and Cock Mountains before getting to the finish line at Spelga Dam, albeit not before climbing a never ending flight of leg sapping steps first. 1st man home and in a league of his own was NAC’s Seamus Lynch, completing the course in 2:27:08. NAC’s Mark Stephens was in third throughout the race before reeling in Mourne Runners’ Timmy Johnston on the descent off Rocky. A strong climb over the final 2 summits got him to 2nd in 2:43:59, 15 minutes off last years time, with Johnston 3rd in 2:45:54. Next in for NAC was Sean Russell for 16th in 3:15:46, followed by Gary McAvoy in 20th in 3:24:49, an hour quicker than last year and Ryan McDonald 25th in 3:33:38.

The ladies race had a clear winner too as Dark Peak Fell Runners’ Megan Wilson stormed to victory in 2:52:15 and 7th overall. 2nd place went to Newry AC’s Esther Dickson, finishing in 3:06:19 followed by Iola Hopkinson, unattached in 3:35:57. NAC only had one female this year, Bronagh McInerney, finishing an excellent 13th in 4:43:59.

Race 8 of the championship takes place on August 10, the much awaited 7×7’s. Thanks to host club BARF for ensuring everyone had a safe race and for the excellent treats and prizes handed out afterwards.

By Hill Runner

Photo by BARF.