Saturday August 14th saw one of the toughest mountain races on the calendar take place, the Mourne 7×7’s. The route is approximately 19 miles long and covers 7 of the highest mountains in the Mournes, and depending on what map you look at, all are over 700 metres high.

In very warm and humid conditions the race started at 10am from Shimna College in Newcastle, with the first man back just over 4 hours later. Taking his second win in the NIMRA Championship was Mourne Runners’ Adam Cunningham In a time of 4:04:25. Pushing hard from the start was 2nd place man Johnny Steede of Glens Runners finishing in 4:10:07. Coming through strong in the end was Mourne Runners’ Gary Bailey taking 3rd in 4:22:20.

The ladies win went to Newry AC’s Esther Dickson, 7th overall in 4:38:50, 2nd place went to North Belfast Harriers’ Martsje Hell, finishing 14th overall in 5:01:39, and 3rd was Jog Lisburn’s Debbie McConnell, 16th overall in 5:07:35.

NAC runners on the day were David Hicks, 4th in 4:23:29, Gary McEvoy, 6th in 4:38:06, Pete Grant, 12th in 5:00:03 and first MV50, and Allan Ritchie 18th in 5:08:15.

Only one lady from NAC, and also the only U21 to take part, was Rebecca Magee, finishing 41st overall, and 7th lady in 6:06:10.

A big thanks to organising club BARF and race director Jim Brown for all the hard work involved with the 7×7’s, and also to the marshals on the day, thank you for giving your time to ensure a safe race for all.

Race Report by Hill Runner