Slieve Bearnagh

NIMRA Championship Race & Ulster Championship Race 

Note: You must be a member of IMRA to qualify for the Ulster Championship  (Join at www.imra.ie)

A mountain race in the Mournes, commencing in the Happy Valley and running to Meelbeg summit, the Meelbeg/Meelmore col, Bearnagh summit, Meelmore summit and finishing at the bottom of the Happy Valley.

Registration and Race HQ will be in the parking area at the foot of the Happy Valley, grid reference 294297. Parking will be in the adjacent field at a cost of £2 per vehicle so please car share as much as possible.

Race starts at: 11am

Minimum safety kit to be carried will be as described on the FRA website: FRA-Requirements for Runners  Failure to comply with these requirements will result in disqualification. Kit will be checked before the race and there may be random checks at the finish.

The use of hiking poles is NOT permitted at any NIMRA race.

The start of the race is at grid reference 295294 and from there to the first checkpoint at the summit of Meelbeg. Runners must stay on the outside of the Mourne Wall on the descent off Meelbeg and cross the wall at the stile in the Meelbeg/Meelmore col with free route choice from there to the Slieve Bearnagh summit where the control will be placed adjacent to the wall. The third checkpoint is in the Bearnagh/Meelmore  col, and from there runners climb Meelmore where the control is at the tower and then to the finish at the bottom of the Happy Valley.

Refreshments will be available after the race but please note that no cups will be provided so please bring your own.

Withdrawal will be permitted up to the closing date for entries and fees will be refunded less £3 to cover expenses.

This event is run on open mountain where conditions are challenging and weather can rapidly deteriorate. Anyone wishing to enter should ensure that they have appropriate experience of mountain running, are competent in navigation and are carrying the appropriate safety kit referred to above. At no point should competitors cross or run on the Mourne Wall (except at the stiles on Meelmore summit and the Meelmore/Meelbeg col). Contravention of this direction will result in disqualification.

If the event is cancelled for any reason refunds of entry fees will be made less £3 to cover expenses.