The
key definition of an A class hill race is at least 250ft of ascent
for every mile of distance. The Slieve Bearnagh race in Northern
Ireland’s Mourne Mountains may only be four miles, but it
packs in almost three times this ratio of ascent. It does this
by first going over Slieve Meelbeg, then the merciless Bearnargh,
and
finally Slieve Meelmore for dessert. The race was this year’s Northern
Irish component of the British Championship, and as usual attracted
a very competitive
field. Unfazed by the blast of wintry rain just before the start,
12 Carnethies joined a record field of over 220. The first climb
was long but steady, followed by a short drop and a tricky boulder-skipping
traverse. Then the steep pull up Bearnargh, where hands were in
use nearly all the way. The descent back down was a semi controlled
fall where positions were readily swapped around. Then back up
over granite boulders and slabs to the tower on Meelmore, where
Ladies Captain Joanne was perfectly positioned to cheer us on. Stewart & Steven came in 29th & 30th, separated only
due to Steven’s stumbing at the finish line. Ronnie & Adrian
were close in 42nd & 44th, & Jon squeezed into the top
50 to gain the last of the Championship points . Graeme Carracher
transferred his cross country abilities to the steeper terrain,
and Colin Wilson made light of the rough ground to stay in front
of Bruce Milne. The Carnethy ladies were tightly knit most of
the way around, and Joan powered down to the finish 33rd female,
with Kate Friend seconds behind & Lorna close too. Peter Walker
finished just as another wintry shower hit. Overall, the Male
Vets team came a very respectable second to Borrowdale, the Men’s
Senior team was 5th & the Women’s team 6th. Race over, the rest of the weekend was put to good use indulging
in ice cream, riding the dodgems, blethering, and gazing out over
the water from the comfy cottages at Dundrum. Sunday allowed more
lengthy and relaxing forays back into the Mournes, with plenty
of time to enjoy the fantastic views and scramble over the granite
tors. It might seem a long way to go for a short race, but as
usual it was worth every bit of it. Thanks to NIMRA and all those
who orgainsed the race.
Results |