Race over the Glens 2024
12 February 2024 update - Turning Point NI presented with £1000 cheque
Our chosen charity the Race over the Glens race is year was Turning Point NI a local mental health charity.
Thanks to the support and generosity of everyone taking part we raised £1000 for the charity. Thanks too to all our volunteers who helped at the event.
Teresa Mark (R) from Ballymena Runners presenting Trudi Power from Turning Point NI a cheque for £1000.00 from entries and donations made for the Race Over The Glens event on New Year's Day 2024.
12 January 2024 update - Race over the Glens Race Report
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!
1 January 2024 - Update - RESULTS
Congratulations to everyone who completed Ballymena Runners – Race Over the Glens 2024 today. The race was a great success and the support provided by our volunteers and sponsors has been amazing.
Below is a list of all our winners. You can view the full results here.
ROTG prize winners 2024
28 December 2023 - Update
Race Over the Glens 2024 race numbers are now ready. You can see the Race Entries and Numbers here.
Please make a note of your race number before you leave home on Monday.
Verification of entrants details:
There were a number of discrepancies and organisers have amended these based on available information.
Please check your race category, if it's incorrect, email ballymenarunners@hotmail.com no later than 20:00 on 30 December. No other changes will be made.
Note the first three male and female finishers will be awarded overall 1st, 2nd and 3rd irrespective of age category. One award only, therefore if a veteran is in top three overall, they will not get an age category award as well.
22 December 2023 - update
We have now issued the race information. This contains important information for everyone whether taking part or supporting and includes registration and start details.
You can view the Race Information here.
Remember Race Over The Glens entries are now closed and there is no entry on the day.
We want to thank our sponsors for supporting this iconic Race Over The Glens.
21 December 2023 - update
Race Over The Glens entries are now closed. Remember there is no entry on the day.
We will soon be posting the race instructions on this page.
We want to thank our sponsors for supporting this iconic Race Over The Glens.
12 December 2023 - update
Race Over The Glens entries continue to fill up so don’t miss out on this iconic New Years Day race in Glenariff Forest Park.
With almost 90% of the limited entries now booked you should book your place now. Remember there is no entry on the day. Book now and don’t miss out.
27 November 2023 - update
Race Over The Glens entries are filling up quickly.
This 10k trail race takes place on New Years Day in the iconic Glenariff Forest Park. With two thirds of the limited entries now booked you should book your place now. Remember there is no entry on the day.
10 October 2023 - Race entries now open
Ballymena Runners is pleased to announce that Race Over the Glens will be on New Year’s Day (Monday 1st January 2024) at Glenariff Forest Park starting at noon.
Race Over the Glens has been established for over 30 years and is one of the highlights of the NI race calendar. The popular 6 mile trail race is around Glenariff Forest Park taking in every aspect of the stunning natural beauty the park and forest has to offer. The race attracts upwards of 400 runners from across NI and beyond as well as hundreds of spectators.
We have a video of what it’s like to run in this iconic scenery showing the Queen of the Glens in all its glory. The video shows the 2022 course and lets you see stunning scenery you’ll be running in.
Our chosen charity this year is Turning Point NI a mental health charity.
As with previous years the number of entries is strictly capped so sign up early.
Entries
You must be over 16 on race day to enter the race.
Entry fee for race is £18 for affiliated club members and £20 for non-affiliated.
You can enter the event here
Entries will close when the event is full or at midnight on 28 December 2023.
There will be no entry on the day. There will be no name changes/transfers, no refunds or deferrals.
Race instructions will be issued nearer the race.
Prizes
Prizes for Male and Female Open winners. (1st £50, 2nd £30 and 3rd £20
Team (club) prizes.
Prizes (£20 each) for age category winners (Male and Female 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69 and 70+).
As previously we intend to distribute prizes in real time as competitors cross the line making an exciting finale for both Runners, Spectators and Organisers!
Route
We have made some slight changes to the route for 2024. Here’s a link to the route (start and finish have green and red dots).
Training
Ballymena Runners will be holding training runs on the course each Sunday morning at 9.00am from Glenariff Forest carpark.
We will be leaving 9.00 am sharp from Glenariff Forest car park. Please arrive for briefing at 8.50 am already warmed up.
A stunning and challenging 10k trail course has been selected by your Race Director, Alan O'Neill.
We will be offering up to 4 leader led training groups to ensure all paces and abilities are accommodated. However, due to the challenging terrain, you should already be capable of running for 6 miles on road without stopping.
All visitors are very welcome. This is an opportunity 'to try before you buy' and/or train for the event!
Please ensure you bring or wear full body cover. If this isn’t adhered to, your leader may refuse entry to their group. The forest park in winter is exposed and we have had everything from sun to snow in previous years. Whilst the trails are relatively ‘clean’ trail shoes are advisable.
Finally, if your time allows, please bring a flask and enjoy a warm drink with your group afterwards.
Queries
If you have questions, please contact us via ballymenarunners@hotmail.com