Trio compete well in World Masters Mountain event

Trio compete well in World Masters Mountain event

13 June 2018

NEWCASTLE AC were well represented at recent 18th World Masters Mountain Running Championships in Slovenia

Eight Northern Ireland runners left the Mournes behind to take part in the championships in the small village of Zelezniki.

This sits on the banks of the river Sora, with the finish on the summit of Altemaver at a height of 5400 feet in the Skofa Loka mountains. 

The temperature at the start of the race was in excess of 30 degrees, making the uphill race, which had steel cables to assist on the steeper sections,  even more challenging.

Newcastle AC’s Jim Patterson, the defending world over 70 mountain running champion, was first off to defend his title. Five miles uphill lay in wait with over 2,800 feet of climbing more than the height of Slieve Donard. 

He performed well in the oppressive heat and challenging terrain, but was unable to hold of the young challenger from Italy Franco Valle, to finish in an excellent second place.

To add to his individual silver, Jim also won silver in the team event representing Great Britain.

Next to start from Newcastle AC’s was Deon McNeilly in the over 55 category, also running the same shorter course as Patterson, finished in ninth position. Mourne Runners’ David Bell in the same over 55 race, came home in 48th position.

The younger male runners compete on a longer course of seven miles and 4,000 feet of climbing, similar height to Ben Nevis.

Newcastle AC’s Eamon McCrickard was first to tackle the long course in the over 50 category, finishing in 24th position.

Jack O’Hare started shortly after in the over 40 race, taking part in the championships for the first time, and ran well to finish 25th.

Mourne Runners’ Willy John Brown finished 24th in the over 65 race. Two ladies took part from Northern Ireland both H&D regulars Lagan Valley’s Anne Sandford, finishing 11th in the over 50 race and Ballymena’s Gillian Wasson running very well in the over 40s to take individual bronze.

After the event there was time to enjoy Slovenia’s spectacular scenery and excellent hospitality, accommodation and food was all to a high standard and excellent value, making it a worthwhile holiday destination for any one looking for a destination a little different.