On 1 January 2024 Ballymena Runners staged their annual ‘Race Over The Glens’ trail race in the stunning Glenariff Forest Park. This iconic race is often billed as “the best start to the new year” and it certainly lived up to that reputation.
In ideal running conditions, and to the laments of a sole piper, a record entry of almost 500 runners toed the line. The challenging 10km / 300 metres course offered fantastic views of Scotland and the Paps of Jura before passing the majestic ‘Ess-Na-Larach waterfall’!
This year Zak Hanna, a multiple previous winner, was absent due to attending a training camp in Kenya. In contention this year was Jack McKenna (Ballymena Runners), Philip Goss (North Belfast Harriers) and Jonny Steede (Glens Runners). Jack made his intentions clear from the start and was leading this group until the third kilometre. By this stage Philip was tight to Jack and after topping out on the 96-step climb (4.5k) Philip made his move and pulled away to finish 1st place and crowned ‘King of the Glen’. Jack held onto his position to finish 2nd, with Jonny finishing 3rd. A re-run of the running order from 2023 albeit one position higher for them all.
The quality and depth of talent within the ladies’ race continues to grow each year. 2024 was no exception. A bunch of 4-5 ladies which included Niamh Marrs, Marie Kerr (both Glens Runners) and Karen Wilton (Jog Lisburn) battled it out for the podium positions. Niamh led this group after the first climb and held this position to the end to claim the coveted ‘Queen of the Glen’ title. Karen moved through the field to finish 2nd with Marie Kerr running strong to finish 3rd completing the podium places.
In the hotly contested team competitions the host club, Ballymena Runners, secured the men’s team prize with Jack McKenna, Jason Wilson, Dale Kirkwood and Brendan Kerr. Glens Runners won the ladies prize with Niamh Marrs, Marie Kerr, Lucy O’Dell and Joanna Wheeler. This is the Glens ladies sixth consecutive year as team winners!
A breakdown of all the prize winners is contained within the photographs below.
Ballymena Runners’ ROTG Race Director Alan O’Neill and his planning team would like to thank the sponsors, athletes and race day volunteers. Without their on-going support this amateur club's athletic event would not be possible.
A belated Happy New Year to you all!