The race is at 11am, registration from 9am. We are there promptly, ahead of the 'Green Army' and once registered we head to Nikki's for coffee and some seclusion.
We decide to run together, and simply get round; a good choice. The run out is steady and we are soon at the quarry, ahead lies a 2000' climb to the summit of Slieve Donard, N. Irelands highest mountain (853m).
Then it's due South, following the impressive Mourne Wall, surely an extension of the Great Wall of China ! Into the Bog of Donard (CP 3), and then some easier running on the Brandy Pad. A large cairn is CP 4, although in these near-perfect conditions the route and CP's are obvious, and then a steep pull up Slieve Commedagh (765m), CP 5.
It's all downhill from here and we can see where we are going. I find it ok, others disagree ! To CP 6, the edge of the forest and now rage familiar route to the finish in the park.
We make it, that's good; what a fantastic race route :-) Then quick dash back to digs for a shower and back into town for prize giving, shopping and ice cream in Maudes (visit no 3 !).
The day has gone well
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