Extreme Norths first event of 2017, like the weather, had a very sunny start with an entry level increase of over 50 per cent and competitors from every part of Ulster and further south to Dublin, Wexford, Offaly and Galway.
The new club category which attracted gyms, clubs & bootcamps was well received and the group banter & craic boosted the atmosphere on what was one of the best days of the year and that was also the case for many of the finishers.
Inishowen’s Sliabh Sneacht and the surrounding hills around Drumfries where a buzz on Saturday as the welcome spring sun and fantastic summit scenery from the numerous climbs continually dazzled adventurers who gave their all from the starting horn to Run, Bike, Kayak and Trek around a really challenging course to make their way back to the finish line at Sliabh Sneacht centre.
Almost 150 competitors soaked up the Sun, Scenery and Sores as everyone soon realised that regardless of whether they were competing in the 62k Extreme, 41k Sprint or 22k Mini there was a challenge there for every fitness level.
The joy and jubilation of finishers was more than evident as they crossed the line and the banter & craic was rife as finishers replenished on the post-race buffet and finished off the day with a few pints and a full house at the North Pole Bar for the Presentation afterwards.
PRIZE CATEGORIES
62K Extreme Race
Male Winner Peter Cromie Limavady 3:31:17
Runner Up Andrew Wallace Burt 4:00:04
3rd Place Maurice Harkin Moville 4:08:51
Male V45 Thomas Moore Limavady 4:06:53
Female Winner Abina Whelan Offaly 4:45:57
Runner Up Michaela Farren Dungiven 5:17:59
41K Sprint Race
Male Winner Darren Wallace Burt 2:27:11
Runner Up Declan Barr St. Johnston 2:35:48
Male V45 Michael Barrett Buncrana 2:53:06
Female Winner Sonia Knox Portrush 2:44:50
Runner Up Sharon Kenny Wexford 2:55:09
Female V40 Ursula Goode Portrush 3:15:59
22K Mini Race
Male Winner Richard Duncan Castlefinn 1:36:35
Runner Up Brendan Whelan Muff 1:39:52
Male V45 Stephen Ferguson Derry 1:46:16
Female Winner Gillian Joyce Galway 1:52:22
Runner Up Annmarie Pickering Derry 2:05:30
Female V40 Josephine Kelly Annagry 2:10:08
Clubs Category – Sprint
Winner Inish Fitness Buncrana
Runner Up Team Loner Belfast