Race you to the top of Slieve Donard (and down again)
June 23, 2010
This Saturday sees the annual Slieve Donard Race, where hardy souls run (yes, run) to the top of Northern Ireland’s highest peak and then down again. This will be the 66th year of Ireland’s longest-established mountain race.
Last year‘s winner (also the first home in 2008), Des Woods of Mourne Runners, managed this feat in a mind-boggling 54:49 minutes, a new race record. Fastest lady last year was Charlene Haugh, who set a new woman’s record. Great 2009 race report here from Martina.
The race sets off from the Newcastle Centre at 1pm - get along and give the runners a cheer. More details and entry form for this year’s event can be found on the Newcastle Athletics Club website.
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Well I did it along with other Murlough runners, Tim Kerr, Mark King, Stephen Wallace, Hugh Oram and Gerard Rowe, first time in the race but second in the same week after a trial run last sunday evening. 1hr 31 mins in 90th place out of @ 110 and well happy with that. Went up the black stairs but caution won out and descended by variation of the tourist route. Maybe the black stairs next year after more trial runs and walks. Really enjoyed it and pints and the handfuls of sausages in O Hares after were great!
The top local fell runners really are brilliant and inspiring athletes, Stephen Cunninghams descent time of 16.43 truly amazing . Obviously he passed me ( and most others) on the way up on his way down and was going at top speed totally fearlessly.
ps. Not for the first time in a race my wife Sheila and children arrived to cheer me at the finish , more than half an hour after I had finished and was ensconced in the pub.
Well done Nigel et al. Phenomenal!