NIRunning 5 Mile Trail Race – Ballyboley Forest
On Sunday 16th February due to the reports of a few injuries only 3 Orangegrove Athletes risked the icy conditions of Co. Antrim for the inaugural NI Running 5 Mile Trail Race at Ballyboley Forest. As the runners started to arrive the fog still hadn’t lifted and after a 3 mile warm up on the snowy paths it was clear it was going to be a cold one. Upon the arrival of Ian and Tori it was time to partake of the outdoor facilities, deep into the depths of the forest, before the real effort began.
The race will be 10 mins late to start was the final call, so as the warmth is in the middle of the pack, in we went. ‘See u in 40 mins; don’t get caught up in the main bunch for the wee narrow squeeze past the forest path barrier; and watch out for the fresh dog poo about that point too’ Always good advice given in the last gasp of relaxed breathing. The race started…
It was a course with a few long drags – sometimes short and sharp is more forgiving, but snowy trail never disappoints. Ian Grant of course took it in his exceptionally long stride keeping himself well up in the main pack of men. He finished 36:24 and displayed great form as demonstrated by the awaiting paparazzi. He was followed by Sharon Dickenson who just missed out on a top 10 finish in the ladies, but shockingly bagged the F35 prize in a time of 40:46 and did not fail to produce drama at the finish as she coughed up a lung. Finally home was Tori in 49:29 who was delighted to have the company of a Larne AC athlete throughout the course. However I cannot print the comments from both ladies as the finish line appeared to have been moved and placed uphill in the final 400m.
A highly enjoyable race and hopefully one for next year’s calendar and we won’t forget the flask of tea to go with the chocolate cookies…