Glens Runners again had the privilege of kicking off this year’s Northern Ireland Mountain Running Ass. (NIMRA) championship on Saturday with the Glenariff Mountain race (aka Spud Run).
A well catered spread of post race refreshments not to mention an abundance of spuds courtesy of sponsors Glens of Antrim Potatoes awaited but they would first need to be earned!
At just under 10km with 370m climb over rough, often boggy, ground this race is always a big ask but was not helped by a combination of rain and wayward cows in the days before the race which made for heavy conditions underfoot along the river path. Otherwise Glenariff was in fine form with near perfect spring weather greeting the 115 mountain runners keen to kick off the season.
The first 3 home in the men’s race would be Ashley Crutchley (Newcastle) in 45:16 closely followed by Joshua McAtee (Mournes)30 seconds later in 45:46 with Niall McCartan (B.A.R.F) taking 3rd in 47:28.
In the ladies race Tanya Cumming (Newcastle) would take 1st place coming home in 56:30 and an impressive 25th overall. Second and third spots would be occupied by Glens Runner’s own Naomi McCurry (57:43) and Kellyann McAuley (57:52)
Putting the men to shame, taking 2nd, 3rd and 4th spots, the Glens Runner’s ladies were comfortable winners of the ladies team prize…
Full Glens list below….. race results here.
John Marrs (8th & 1stMV45 – 50:20)
Dominic McLarnon (14th 52:34)
Niall Wheeler (16th 52:48)
Noami McCurry (2nd 57:43)
Kellyann McAuley (3rd 57:52)
Ben Flowers (36th 58:30)
Declan McNaughton (38th 59:03)
Niamh Marrs (4th & 1stFV40 1:00:24)
Conan Brown (57th 1:02:33)
Joanna Wheeler Connon (8th 1:04:53)
Brian McAuley (103rd 1:17:44)
Glens Runners 
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