The pre-race publicity for the Mourne Way Marathon, an almost entirely off road race from Newcastle to Rostrevor, states that “the route DOES NOT cross the tops of any mountains. It traverses the foothills of the mountains as opposed to crossing them. You will be able to enjoy the views of the mountains without having to climb them”. That's like saying England will win the World Cup because they have the best goalkeepers.

If I tell you the route is described a linear route, traversing the foothills of the Mourne Mountains passing Tollymore Forest, Fofanny Dam, Spelga Dam, Leitrim Lodge and Yellow Water before arriving at the finish in Kilbroney Park in Rostrevor you will get some idea of the sort of terrain you're likely to encounter on that journey. In fairness the route taken by the bus ferrying us back from registration in Rostrevor to the Newcastle start, encountered few problems as it  “traversed the foothills”, travelling via Kilkeel and I reckoned it can't be too bad.

I had missed last year's first running of the event and had no first hand experience of the course, so caution was to be the byword until halfway at least. And while you're encouraged to “enjoy the views”, it puts life and limb at risk to raise your eyes from the treacherous, rock strewn underfoot conditions even momentarily, unless you're prepared to actually stop before you look around, 

Running on the forest tracks and roads was relatively easy early on and progress was steady as we overtook some ultra runners ( they had already run from Rostervor to Newcastle so were on their returns 26 miles!) and made for the first checkpoint at Trassey.  Then it was open mountain for 5 miles though I discovered that having a limp actually balances your body quite well when you're running across the side of a mountain.

By this time our little East Down group of myself, Brian Hamilton, winding down after his superb 9 hour 25 minutes for the Comrades Ultra Marathon (56 miles) Wendy Findlay and Michael Degan had broken up with Wendy's husband John setting the pace up ahead. The climb from Fofanny Dam to Spelga may not be a mountain but after 13 miles of pretty rough paths and none it certainly seemed like it . And then there was the Hen Mountain Track which stretched for miles into the sky like the Yellow Brick Road and somehow led to the top of a mountain and the steep descent to Leitrim Lodge.

The last 10K were the longest distance I have ever traveled as recurring cramp paid a visit to every muscle I had.  I kept myself going by looking forward to lying down on the grassy area just beyond the finish line and was overjoyed to hear the marshal at the final water station announce “just 3 miles to go”, especially as I had only 100 yards of energy left. But it didn't matter whether it was miles, kilometres, yards or metres I still had to travel, when you're exhausted there's nothing you can do – only keep going.  Eventually, having taken 1 hour for the last 6 miles, I crossed the finish line in 4 hours 35 minutes but didn't even have the energy to collapse – I just hung over the barrier rail and waited for my body to join me.  John Findlay and Brian Hamilton were soon in too with Wendy not far behind, all faster than last year, and a commendable run from Michael Degan just weeks after his Wicklow Roar adventure.

But all these pale into insignificance in comparison with Ruth Francis's completion of the Ultra marathon. In my opinion this marathon is the toughest one I have ever completed, tougher even than Snowdonia or Connemara, and for her to have undertaken twice the distance over an unrelenting course is a remarkable example of physical and mental toughness preparatory to jetting off to South Africa next morning, well deserving of a little time in the sun.

But in spite of my comments this is a remarkably well organised event and I would highly recommend participation in one or other of the available options next year.

On Sunday several members took part in the Runher 5 and 10K races at Stormont with Eimear Degan and Nicola Rogan picking up cherished photographs with Dame Mary Peters  and no doubt some useful training tips too.

And all runners are invited to attend a talk and practical demonstration by Dr Anne Matthews, physiotherapist and chiropractor, on sports injuries, their prevention and treatment in Denvir's Hotel on Thursday 24 June at 7.00pm.


Joe Quinn
13 June 2010