Armagh AC mountain running season

The Buzzards Roost race in the Mournes brought the curtain down on a successful mountain running season for Armagh AC. Held in clear, bright conditions more reminiscent of June than October, the event provided a fitting finale to a year packed with strong performances, international representation and memorable days in the hills.

The race, organised by Mourne Runners and affiliated with the Northern Ireland Mountain Running Association (NIMRA), was another example of the outstanding work carried out by volunteers across mountain running. Volunteer-led organisations such as NIMRA, IMRA and local athletics clubs continue to deliver high-quality events that are both challenging and affordable. A sincere thanks goes to everyone who gives up their time throughout the year to make these races possible.

Buzzards Roost proved particularly rewarding for Armagh AC, with the club sweeping the podium in the inaugural NIMRA League, which was based on competitors' best six results from eleven short to medium-distance races. Keith Johnston, Lorcan Vallely and Alan Stretton finished first, second and third respectively, with Cillian Reid placing eighth overall to complete another impressive campaign.

International Honours

Armagh AC athletes also earned several international selections throughout the season.

Upe Spelskaite represented Northern Ireland and Ulster at both the International Mountain Running Cup and the British & Irish Junior Mountain Running Championships, while Lorcan Vallely earned selection for the UK Inter-Counties Championships and the Snowdon International Race. Keith Johnston competed at Snowdon, and Alan Stretton represented Northern Ireland and Ulster at the Senior Home International.

Home Races Continue to Thrive

Under the stewardship of Lorcan Vallely and a dedicated team of volunteers, Armagh AC's own races continued to thrive.

Slieve Gullion, a favourite among local hill runners, attracted record entries, while the demanding Flagstaff to Carlingford race across the Cooley Peninsula added another memorable chapter to its history. Competitors faced unusually hot conditions in June, turning the race into a serious test of endurance.

As ever, the route retained its reputation for leaving runners wondering, "I'm lost, but just how lost am I?" Rather than battling poor visibility, runners found themselves battling the heat as they approached the finish line more like survivors of a desert crossing than mountain runners.

Keith Johnston

Keith Johnston enjoyed a standout season from start to finish. Following strong cross-country performances and a marathon personal best of 2:48 in Belfast, he carried that form into the mountains.

At the Snowdon International, Keith was the first Northern Ireland and Ulster runner home, completing the demanding ascent and descent in 1:21. Podium finishes followed throughout the season, including victory at Mullaghcarn, third at the Spelga Skyline Short Course, and second-place finishes at both Tollymore and Millstone Hill & Dales.

His form continued internationally when he placed second in the 27km Triglav Trail Summit race in Slovenia. Consistent performances throughout the year saw him finish 4th overall in the Hill & Dale Series and secure the overall NIMRA League title.

Paul McAnespie

Paul McAnespie once again demonstrated his class, finishing 6th overall in the NIMRA Championship and claiming the M50 category title with a perfect score, remaining unbeaten in his age group throughout the season.

A talented cross-country runner as well, Paul delivered strong performances at the NI & Ulster Intermediate Championships and has already shown promising form for the upcoming winter season.

As anyone who has raced with him knows, "every inch of steep, sloppy, boggy & heavy ground that can be found in the country, is his domain and you're in for a wild day if you try to challenge him on it."

Lorcan Vallely

Alongside his many responsibilities within Armagh AC, including race directing both Slieve Gullion and Flagstaff and serving on the club committee, Lorcan produced an exceptional season.

After running a marathon PB of 2:45 in Seville, he competed successfully across both Ireland and Britain, recording top results at the Wicklow Way Half, EcoTrail Wicklow, the UK Inter-Counties Championships, and the Snowdon International, where he clocked an impressive 1:25:10.

Consistent top-five finishes throughout the local calendar helped him secure 2nd overall in the NIMRA League and 7th overall in the highly competitive Hill & Dale Series.

His third-place finish at Flagstaff to Carlingford, despite simultaneously race directing the event, perfectly summed up his determination and commitment.

Cillian Reid

One of the highlights of Cillian Reid's year came at the Swiss Alps 50K in Fiesch. Battling temperatures of up to 36°C and over 10,000 feet of climbing, he completed the race in a highly competitive 8 hours 27 minutes.

Closer to home, Cillian continued to produce strong results throughout the Hill & Dale and NIMRA seasons, finishing 16th overall in the Hill & Dale Series and 8th in the final NIMRA League standings. Strong performances at Binnian, Binevenagh, Millstone and Watertown highlighted both his climbing ability and speed on runnable terrain.

He concluded his season with a smile at the Mourne Skytrail 20K, sharing the experience with his friend Francy during his first mountain race.

Gareth Kelly

Few athletes race as often as Gareth Kelly.

The long-running joke remains:

"Is Gareth racing this weekend?"

"Sure, it's a weekend."

Balancing work, adventure racing and mountain running, Gareth continued to excel across multiple disciplines. He finished the Swiss Alps 50K in 9 hours 25 minutes, completed the challenging NIMRA Championship, finishing 20th overall, and placed 47th overall in the Hill & Dale Series, which regularly attracts fields of over 300 runners.

Strong performances at Luke's Mountain, Mullaghcarn, Slieve Martin and Drinnahilly demonstrated his versatility and resilience.

Alan Stretton

For Alan Stretton, the highlight of the season was earning his first Northern Ireland and Ulster vest.

Representing NI & Ulster at the Senior Home International, held as part of the British Middle Distance Trail Championships in Keswick, he finished 3rd M35 and contributed to the team effort against strong opposition from across the home nations.

Reflecting on the occasion:

"Delighted with racing well enough to get 3rd M35 and being the 3rd scoring member for the team, a slight combined 6 minutes behind the Welsh team. Close, but no cigar. This time."

Other highlights included 13th overall at the Swiss Alps 100K, 3rd at the Annalong Short Race, 10th at Drinnahilly, and 3rd overall in the inaugural NIMRA League.

Emerging Talent and Club Spirit

Young athlete Upe Spelskaite continued her development by representing Northern Ireland and Ulster at international level, racing in both Italy and Tollymore after successfully qualifying through the trial races.

The club was also delighted to welcome Ali Jaafar during the season. Alongside strong performances in local road races and cross-country events, Ali completed the demanding Swiss Alps 50K in 10 hours 20 minutes. More importantly, he used the challenge to raise over £5,000 for first responders in Lebanon, highlighting how running can provide opportunities to support causes far beyond sport itself.

As Mickey Kelly described him, Ali brought "a breath of fresh air" to the club.

Looking Ahead

The season also saw valuable contributions from athletes including Gary McNamee, Declan McCrory, Ruth Acheson, Keith McAree, Deborah Kennedy, Mary McDaid, Julianne Keys, Julie O'Neill, Neale Henning and Bob Gallagher, all of whom played their part in another successful year for Armagh AC mountain running.

Perhaps the best summary of the season comes from the spirit that mountain running continues to foster. The great days bring satisfaction, while the difficult days often create the stories that are remembered longest. Whether it's getting lost on the mountain, battling through brutal conditions, or enjoying the camaraderie afterwards, there is always someone waiting at the finish line ready to share the experience and, usually, "take the mick out of you."

And that, as ever, is what it's all about.

Roll on next season.