Congratulations to Kerry Speers for being second lady home in the Mourne Skyline Granite Trail Race on Friday evening. The Granite Trail Race (‘GTR’) saw athletes start on Newcastle’s Central Promenade, before making their way into Donard Forest and up the historic Granite Trail towards the finish at Millstone Quarry, overlooking the town. Altogether, this totalled 2 miles uphill with approximately 1,000ft of ascent.
Due to the severe weather conditions, organisers had to alter the start area but the electric atmosphere was evident as the athletes set off into the darkness. In the ladies race, World XC (team) gold medallist Sarah McCormack (Moorfoot Runners/Ireland) was leading and up with the top men. In-form Kerry, Charlene Abraham (Unattached), Annabelle Stearns (Gravesend RR & AC) and Sam McNeilly (Newcastle AC) were all vying for the remaining podium places. However Sarah McCormack completed the uphill only route in an impressive 17:29 (1st place), which not only won the ladies race, but saw Sarah take 4th place overall. The in-form duo of Kerry Speers and Charlene Abraham claimed 2nd place and 3rd place in 20:28 and 21:09 respectively.
Full Results: Granite Trail Race (GTR) 2014 Results