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.
21 December update - Entries for the race have now closed. Remember there are no entries on the day. We will be posting race instructions on the Race Over the Glens page in the coming days.
Race Over the Glens has been established for over 30 years and is one of the highlights of the NI race calendar. The popular 10k 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