On Saturday 12th March the first race of the 2022 NIMRA championship took place in Glenariff with the Spud Run hosted by Glens Runners. A change of scenery from the usual Mournes, six Newcastle runners made the journey to the start at the Oisins hurling field in Waterfoot, lifted their complementary spuds and dibbers and got ready to roll.

The race is broken down into a 2 mile stretch from the start on a grass path along the Moyle river, before a strenuous 1 mile up hill of 370m ascent to the top of the glen, followed by a very sharp descent and retrace steps back to the finish. The weather held out on the day with a calm day in pleasant sunshine between the showers of Friday and wind of Sunday.

2 of the men placed in the top 10 with Alan Ritchie in 6th place (49:20) chased in by Gary McEvoy in 8th (50:21). Next set in was Pearse Brogan in 37th (58:02) and Pete Grant 41st (58:30). Rebecca Magee ran a strong race (11th lady & 1st FU23) to come in 57th place (1:02:33) and Declan McElroy finishing in 63rd with (1:03:54).

Not long to dwell for the next championship race, with the Fallows taking place over 10 miles in Kilbroney Park, Rostrevor this Saturday 19th March and should see a good contingent out to tackle it.