Pegasus AC run successful GP Mountain race!

Last Saturday saw Pegasus AC run another successful Binevenagh Mountain with 55 runners; with some as far a field as the Mournes turning up for the NI Mountain Association (NIMRA) Grand Prix event, the curtain raiser in the Mountain running season.

This race is now firmly established in the NIMRA calendar, with its brilliant views and tough ascents, it attracts some of the top Irish runners in the sport.  At 12:00pm, the race began with the runners almost immediately sliming their way up the forest tracks until they reached the 1st part of the open mountain.  Only 3 men were in the race at this point, Alan Bogle of City of Derry, Des Woods of Mourne Runners and Deon McNeilly of Newcastle.  These men are all internationals and took apart the field, and were all together until the descent (halfway mark).  Woods was the first to falter, falling back from the flying Bogle and McNeilly.  With only 1 mile to go, Bogle put in a quick burst of speed to beat the super Veteran McNeilly, going on to won the race in a rapid 51:30, 30 seconds ahead of his nearest rival!.  Fiona Maxwell of Mourne runners managed to win the female open section; beating many of her male rivals in the process!

While moving on to the Pegasus results, a few congratulations are in order!  Harry “the Marathon man” Reilly managed to complete his first proper mountain race in style, be coming home as first Pegasus athlete in 24th (1:06:22).  Next up was Peter Bell, the “Portstewart flyer”, who managed to fly in as first Vet 50 and 27th overall.  Peter has had a number of injury woes of late, so it is great to see him back to winning ways!  Kyle Millar managed to come in as 1st junior athlete and 41st overall (1:17:27) in his debut over the mountains!  Shirley Park, coming back from her own injury concerns managed a respectable 1:23:45 to come in 6th Female.  Ralph Thom tested himself to the limit while finishing in 1:38:00 in his debut over the mountains, with Lorna Stynes winning the female Vet 35 category in 1:49:14 to wrap up a brilliant day for Pegasus AC.

Thanks must go to all the marshals who helped the runners along their way, and those who donated prize money and the much wanted sandwiches for the runners at the end!