The Dam Busters!
On Saturday, August 9th, three Ballymena runners headed to the Silent Valley in the majestic mountains of Mourne for the Born 2 Run Dambusters event.
Dale Kirkwood took on the 10k race, while Clare McAuley and Naomi Small were running the 10 mile course.
The sun was shining at the start line, and the 10-mile race set off at 11:15 am. The course began on trail and was mainly downhill. We dared to think this might not be so bad. Leaving the trail, the race made its way up a steady incline, back towards the reservoir where the 10k runners joined after setting off at 11:40 am.
The scenery was simply breathtaking, and both races continued an out-and-back to the dam.
The turning point was the maximum elevation of the day, a magnificent 700ft. We returned only to discover that the last leg would lead us up the mountain with another steep climb. For those of us who had never even hiked before, this was quite the challenge, but after a sharp decent, we ran past the sparkling water of the reservoir one last time to the finish line, where we were met with a warm welcome home.
Dale finished the 10K in a very impressive 5th place with a time of 38:42. Clare completed the 10 mile in 1:54:37 and Naomi 1:57:28.
The Silent Valley is described as an area of ‘Outstanding Natural Beauty’, and it did not disappoint. It was a great day for all.
Dale, Clare and Naomi
Feile 10k
10 Ballymena Runners made the trip to West Belfast for the Feile 10k
Joining 3000 other runners on a glorious day to tackle the undulating course. he hill of death on mile 2-3 into Falls Park that felt that went on forever made the downhill on the other side most welcoming.
The turn around back up again with a tough incline at mile 5-6
A great turnout from the club and strong running from everyone.
David Jones 38:31
Lisa Ewart 49:30
Sara Beggs 55:20
Alana Cameron 56:17
Clare McAuley 1:01:22
Nikki Hassan 1:04:45
Laura McMullan 1:07:49
Joanna Heffron 1:14:03
All results here: https://www.championchipireland.com/index.html
Club runners at the Feile 10k in Belfast
Lurigethan Mountain Race!
On Saturday afternoon (9 August), Ballymena Runners lined up for the 32nd Lurig Challenge Run.
Superbly staged by the Heart of the Glens Festival Committee and Glens Runners, the race saw over 360 athletes tackle 4 miles (6.4 km) and 1,100 feet (335 m) of climbing.
From the Curfew Tower in Cushendall to the summit of Lurigethan (Lurig) Mountain and back, this iconic challenge has been a highlight of the summer calendar for over three decades.
Ballymena Runners have a proud tradition here, with historic results including winners, podiums, first locals, age-category victories, and team prizes.
This year, that legacy continued with Paul Connolly and William Fleck taking wins in their respective categories. Well done Paul and Willie!
The race also drew a number of first-timers from the club, thanks to targeted training in the run-up to the event. A special well-done to them – and to everyone who represented the club with such distinction.
Finally, a big thank-you to the festival committee, marshals, volunteers, Glens of Antrim Potatoes, McKillop’s Spar, and Glens Runners Runners for a great race, a fabulous prize-giving, and outstanding hospitality.
We ran the Dall!
Some of our runners at the Lurig race
The Seven Sevens!
On Saturday 9 August the Seven Sevens mountain race took place, organised by BARF and counting as a 'long' in the NIMRA Championship. This arduous mountain race is held in conjuction with the annual Challenge Walk, hosted by Lagan Valley Orienteers.
The course this year was clockwise so the summits in order were Donard, Commedagh, Lamagan, Binnian, Meelbeg, Meelmore and Bearnagh.
The route ensures athletes summit the seven highest mountains in the Mournes with all but one over 700 metres.
The route covers 19 miles / 30.5km of open mountain (depending on route choice) and 8700ft/2600m (also depending on route choice!).
With strong winds, heavy rain and mist early on it was a day of all weather ending with glorious sunshine and a warm reception back at Greenhill YMCA at Donard Forest.
Two Ballymena Runners, Duncan Millar and Ruth Aiken, took on the challenge with Ruth securing her age category win.
Thank you to both BARF and LVO for such a fantastic event and warm hospitality with a special mention to the many marshalls on the course.
Duncan and Ruth at the 7 7 s
