Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more
Information => Outdoor News and Events => Topic started by: admin on June 10, 2014
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A record number of athletes (and spectators) descended on the stunning Mourne Mountains for the annual running of the 26extreme Mourne Way Marathon Series, an event that offered competitors a choice of distances.
The torrential rain which greeted the ultra-runners as they assembled subsided just before the 6am start, much to the delight of the athletes and race officials.
The eighty strong field then set off on a journey that would take them 26.2 miles from Kilbroney Park, Rostrevor to Donard Park, Newcastle and back. It wasn’t just the distance that the athletes had to negotiate though, but also the rugged, wet and at times technical terrain, as well as dense patchy fog and persistent rain. The race was won by Don Travers (Newry City Runners) in 8:11:56 (1st place). Springwell’s Ultra distance specialist, Nicki McPeak finished fourth in 8:46:25.
Respected endurance runner Susan McCartney completed the gruelling distance in 10:17:48 to secure top honours ladies race. Springwell’s Fran McFadden claimed second place in 10:51:22, an excellent achievement after her marathon personal best in the Walled City Marathon.
The strong marathon field set off from Donard Park, Newcastle at 12.30pm, making their way up through Donard Forest before veering right across the Mourne Way towards Kilbroney Park, Rostrevor.
Justin Maxwell (East Coast AC) led the field home securing victory in 3:21:06. Ange Stevenson (Newcastle AC) finished strong in the ladies race to win in 4:42:26. Springwell’s Eddie Clyde and Nigel McNeill completed the 26.2 miles in 5:23:19 with John Butcher and Simon Moore coming home in 5:40:09.
More:
http://www.ballymoneytimes.co.uk/sport/local-sport/mcpeak-takes-on-mournes-ultra-marathon-challenge-1-6107900