The inaugural NIMRA Granite Peaks Ultra and 25k took place on Saturday (20 April). The Ultra was a distance of 50km, summiting 14 peaks with over 3000m of climbing. The 25km has over 1150m of climbing.
The weather forecast was looking good but the day ended up being much warmer for the races than anticipated.
For the ultra event, 31 competitors started with 26 finishing. Once the race got into the climbing, four runners started to break away, with the lead changing a few times throughout.
Simon Hodge from Newcastle AC took the lead, coming off Binnian before the half way point and he kept at the front for most of the second half, eventually breaking away with the climb up Commedagh to make a gap on second place, Matt O’Reilly.
Simon won with a time of seven hours and 26 minutes, finishing seven mins ahead of second place.
Conor Goodman of Newcastle AC finished the 50k in 24th in a time of 11 hours and four minutes. First female home was Rachel Burgess with a time of eight hours and 59 minutes.
East Down Athletics
East Down’s Niall Gibney took on the full Ultra, and he was feeling it in his legs as he climbed Commedagh at the 26 mile point, pushing onto the finish.
He found it a tough race but was happy with his time of right hours, 18 minutes (fourth overall and first in the M45 age category).
The full report including update on how those who competed in the 15 mile event is in this week’s Mourne Observer.