SLIDESHOW: Race Over the Glens

A record turnout enjoyed one of the Ballymena area’s New Year’s Day traditions - the Race Over the Glens - on Thursday.
By The Newsroom
Published 6th Jan 2015, 11:00 BST
Competitors line up at the start of the annual Race over the Glens on New Years Day. INBT02-208ACCompetitors line up at the start of the annual Race over the Glens on New Years Day. INBT02-208AC
Competitors line up at the start of the annual Race over the Glens on New Years Day. INBT02-208AC

More than 400 runners - the biggest number in the event’s history - tackled the hilly terrain of Glenariff Forest Park in the traditional curtain-raiser to the new year.

Ballymena & Antrim Athletic Club runner Jarlath Falls eventually won the race for the ninth time in his career.

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He overhauled another local runner, Glenwherry-based Mark McKinstry, who was running in the colours of North Belfast Harriers, as the race neared its conclusion, producing a powerful finish along the undulating final stretch.

Competitors line up at the start of the annual Race over the Glens on New Years Day. INBT02-208ACCompetitors line up at the start of the annual Race over the Glens on New Years Day. INBT02-208AC
Competitors line up at the start of the annual Race over the Glens on New Years Day. INBT02-208AC

Falls had some 33 seconds to spare at the finish line as he added to his impressive list of successes in the event.

Seamus Lynch (Newcastle AC) eventually claimed third place, ahead of Jonny Steede, from host club Ballymena Runners.

The ladies’ race was won by Shalene McMurray.

Another winner on the day was Autism NI, who received a fantastic total of £657.65 in proceeds raised from the race.

Related topics:Ballymena