9^th August saw the Lurig Challenge take place in Cushendall as part of the ever popular ‘Heart of the Glens’ Festival.  This race has proved very popular over the years for those trying to conquer the 1150 foot beast that is Lurig!  Runners from all over Northern Ireland; including Warrenpoint and Newcastle to name but a few came to enjoy this very unique 3.75 mile race. The race also stood as a round of the NI Grand Prix Mountain Running Series.  The start in the village centre meant a large crowd of spectators were cheering on the 129 mad men / women, with the weather holding up despite being quite humid for the runners.  Pegasus AC runners were in attendance, namely Jason Wilson and Peter Bell.

The 1 mile lane leading to the foot of the mountain saw a break away group try to catch the then leader Mark McManus of Larne AC.  Jason picked his way through from the back of the group to come within 10m of the leader.  The foot of the mountain saw the race really begin with Jason making an immediate move up the very steep hill to gain 1^st position and move away from the closing pack.  Hard plodding to the summit saw the young Ballymoney lad have a healthy lead to maintain down the steep mountain which took mere minutes to descend.  The rapid 1 mile lane saw Jason extend his lead to just over 200m, knowing with 400m out that he was about to earn his first ever race victory.  Coming into the finish, the crowd cheered as the 19 year old crossed the line in 32:31 to win by 38 seconds from occasional training partner Mark Alexander of Ballymena Runners.  Dan Spencer was in 3^rd position.  Peter ‘the Ice Man’ Bell had a good day at the office, with 36^th position and 2^nd Veteran 50 (40:34) seeing the Portstewart man come home happy despite a troubled season.

Thanks to Glens Runners for organising a superb race and to all the locals / visitors for their great support.