Turkey Trot is great success

Turkey Trot is great success

5 January 2022

WITH Christmas Day leftovers still sitting in the fridge, a collection of 73 brave souls decided that running off the turkey over the Mournes was just what was required.

The host club BARF have always put on a brilliant Turkey Trot race and this year would be the same.

Due to the new start/finish location at the magnificent Meelmore Lodge, the course had been modified to make the race slightly shorter - and organisers didn’t hear too many complaints about that. The other good news is that a new course means a new record and a guaranteed PB.

The weather always plays a part and the overnight rain left the rivers swollen. Thankfully the mist lifted before the race began and running conditions could even be described as pleasant.

As is the way these days, the full Covid 19 protocols were in place, which would see a new rolling start instead of the usual mass start.

Eoin Lennon and Paul Pruzina led the way early on with Adam Cunningham not far behind. The runners headed into the mist on their way to the Meelmore/Meelbeg col and it would be Eoin holding a slender lead as he hit the run home through the wet and slippery Happy Valley decent.

With Paul closing, the finish was a welcome sight as Eoin claimed victory in a time of 38 minutes and 41 seconds. Paul was second with Adam completing the podium.

In the ladies’ race it was a Stefanie Ervine, from Keswick AC, who would take up the lead on the climb. Rachel Collins kept her honest all the way to the Meelmore/Meelbeg col. Alas, Stefanie would prove too strong on the decent for Rachel and took a convincing win in 52 minutes and 33 seconds. Karen Wilton put in an impressive performance to take the final spot on the podium.

With all the runners safely home and everything cleaned and put away, it was time to wish everyone a Happy New Year.