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Preview: A New Year, a Classic Test… Race Over the Glen Celebrates 30 Years!
The iconic Race Over the Glen, sponsored by JB Door Systems, returns on New Year’s Day 2026.
One of Ballymena Runners longest running events, the technical 10km trail race held in Glenariff Forest Park, known for steep climbs, rapid descents and spectacular views, has become a staple of the Northern Irish running calendar and a firm favourite for trail aficionados across the region and further afield.
Entries for this milestone edition sold out, with a new entry record of 800 athletes confirmed on the start list, underscoring the event’s enduring appeal.
The course demands strength, stamina and strategic pacing over approximately 400 metres of ascent and challenging terrain. With increased prize money and age-group awards on offer, plus team and junior prizes, plenty of competitive racing from start-to-finish is expected.
This year’s entry list includes several specialist exponents on trail and mountain terrain.
Ireland mountain running international Timothy Johnston (Annadale Striders), a previous podium finisher, is the hot favourite for the men’s title. Jack McKenna (Ballymena Runners), a podium finisher in previous editions, returns and could be one of his principal challengers. In terms of other host club runners, James Hamilton should also put in a strong run. Also entered is Jonny Steede (Glens Runners), multiple Lurig Challenge winner and 2nd in this year’s Ulster Mountain Running Championship, and Luke McMullan (Newcastle District AC), another athlete who has been close to the podium in previous years. Joshua McAtee (Mourne Runners), regularly selected for the NI & Ulster Mountain Running team, could push the pace early on. Another to watch includes Chris Pollock (Annadale Striders), who was 6th in last year’s race.
In the master categories, the possible winners include Lee O’Boyle (Glens Runners), James Trainor (North Belfast Harriers), John Marrs (Glens Runners), Allan Bogle (City of Derry Spartans), William Fleck (Ballymena Runners), Mark Smith (North Belfast Harriers), Maurice Walker (Springwell Running Club), Billy Reed (East Antrim Harriers), Andrew Topping (East Coast AC) and Thomas Mulholland (unattached).
For the men's team title, it is likely to be a Mid- versus North Antrim battle between Ballymena Runners and Glens Runners, although North Belfast Harriers have the potential to spoil the party.
Top contenders to be crowned Queen of the Glen
The women’s race is shaping up to be particularly competitive with several high-quality entrants listed. Aine Gosling (Newcastle AC) appears to be the pre-race favourite, having previously been crowned “Queen of the Glen” three years ago and also representing Ireland at international mountain running events. Naomi McCurry (Glens Runners) has proven pedigree having represented the NI / Ulster Mountain Running team this year alongside finishing second overall in the NI Mountain Running Championships. Fellow clubmate Niamh Marrs, who trains regularly in-and-around the course and is another former “Queen of the Glen”, is also entered. Karen Wilton (Jog Lisburn), a lady who loves all surfaces and equally competes strongly on them all, will almost certainly be a challenger for the podium. Kerry Bamber (unattached), this year’s Broughshane 5-mile champion, will certainly be in the mix as well.
In the master categories, the possible winners include, Bernadette Quinn (Springwell Running Club), Kellyann McAuley (Glens Runners), Dawn Houston (Eglinton Road Runners), Paula Worthington (Ballymena Runners), Judith Brown (Ballymena Runners), Adele Tomb (Springwell Running Club), Jenny Taylor (Scrabo Striders), Pauline Thom (Ballymena & Antrim AC), Rose Reid (Glens Runners), Patricia Craig (Springwell Running Club) and Fiona Barr (Murlough AC).
For the women's team title, it would take a big performance to knock Glens Runners off their perch, although Ballymena Runners and Springwell Running Club will be looking to give it a good go!
Of course, the category winners are only one part of this amazing event, with many simply just wanting to challenge themselves on one of Ireland’s toughest winter trails, while others want to work off the previous week’s excesses! With a packed field and strong entries in every age category, it promises to be a memorable way to kick off 2026.
Race preview by Jason Wilson.
Race Over The Glen is sponsored by JB Door Systems, supported by Lucozade Sport Ireland Lucozade. Raising funds and awareness for Nipanc Donations on the day or via on-line here
https://nipanc.enthuse.com/pf/louise-macdonald/post/20215058
Final race day instructions here
https://www.ballymenarunners.org/race-over-the-glen-2026
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Ballymena Runners are delighted to announce that our ever-popular Cosy Sofa programme returns on 6th January 2026 at the new Northern Regional College (NRC) in Ballymena.
This 8 week programme is for everyone and costs just £25. Sign up now as numbers are limited. Don’t miss out - get off your Cosy Sofa and go running with us in 2026!