Race Report – Davagh 10k from the 2019/2020 Winter League
The Sperrin Harriers Winter League 2019/20 commenced on Saturday with the Davagh 10k. Located in the testing landscape of Davagh Forest, close to Cookstown, County Tyrone, over 140 runners were in attendance from across the province. Those who took part were faced with distinctly wintry conditions, wet, windy, and cold, though for all that the forest remained an arresting backdrop.
Battling the elements Scott Rankin (Foyle Valley AC) (35:36) and Eoin Hughes (Acorns AC) (35:45) maintained a commanding lead over the rest of the field to finish first and second respectively, with Seamus Bradley rounding off the top three in 38:10. He was pursued by two of the host’s runners, Andrew Newell (Sperrin Harriers) in fourth (38:47), with Connor Martin (Sperrin Harriers) a fraction behind to take fifth (38:49).
Amongst the ladies Catherine Roberts (North Down AC) achieved a convincing win in 48:34, with Ciara Ryan (Derrytresk Runners) second in 50:03, and Alice Bradley third in 50:21. Jane Talbot (Ballymena & Antrim Athletics Club) was fourth soon afterwards in 50:30, with Adele Tomb (Springwell Running Club) finishing fifth in 51:11.
Sperrin Harriers would like to thank the many athletes, and their supporters, who attended our event, and also show appreciation for the individuals and teams who worked tirelessly in the background to manage proceedings, including race organisation; course preparation; provision of chip timing; medical cover; marshalling; tail running; registration; hospitality and catering; photography; and post race clean up. The club also thanks ‘Outsource’ for sponsoring the race.
We hope to see you all again for the second event in the series, the Lough Fea 5k on 14th December.
Davagh 10K 2018 Race Review
In beautiful Winter sunshine 170 athletes took on the opening race of the Sperrin Harriers Winter League Trail Series, the Davagh Forest 10k. Davagh Forest was particularly beautiful given the pleasant weather and conditions were perfect for running in.
There was a strong field in the mens’ race with athletes such as Acorns AC’s Eoin Hughes, Ballymena Runners’ Jason Wilson and Conor Reid, Magherafelt Harriers’ Niall Higgins, Seamus Bradley and Gavin Corey toeing the line. Despite the early intentions of Niall Higgins, it was Eoin Hughes who managed to free himself from the leading pack to cross the finish line first in 36:25 for the second year running. Jason Wilson claimed second place in 37:55, with Gavin Corey (Unaffiliated) completing the top three to finish in 38:16.
Ballymena Runners’ Gillian Wasson dominated a strong field in the ladies race from the off and was first to cross the finish line in 43:13 to repeat her performance of last year. Leanne Sands (Acorns AC) claimed the runners up prize in 44:48, closely followed by Greencastle AC’s Olivia Mullin who was third home in 45:05, bettering her fourth place from the previous year.
Well done to all those who took part and thank you to all of those who helped stage the event and supported the runners on the course. Particular thanks goes to Mid Ulster Council and the Forestry Service for the use of the scenic venue, to those providing the timing services, Emergency Medical Services for providing medical cover for the event, and of course to race sponsor J&K Contracts. We look forward to seeing you at the next race the Lough Fea on 15th December.
The finalised results from the Davagh 10K 2018 as well as the category placings and points are available by clicking on the buttons below
Davagh Forest 10K 2017 Results Davagh Forest 10K 2018 Categories PointsRace Details
As usual there will be refreshments served after the race and toilet facilities are available on site.
Your usual road running shoes are suitable for all our trail races, however it may be advisable to wear shoes that give you sufficient support as some of the trails can be uneven with loose or soft surfaces.
Click on the link below to view the course route:
https://www.sperrinharriers.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Davagh-Forest-10K-Course.pdf
Find out more about Davagh Forest here: http://www.mountainbikeni.com/davagh-forest/
Directions
If you are using GPS the Postcode is: BT79 8JH. If you are using GPS check that it is bringing you to the Davagh Road entrance (and NOT the Bells Quarry entrance which is on the Lough Fea side of Davagh Forest)
If travelling from Cookstown or Omagh, Davagh Forest is signposted off the A505 Cookstown to Omagh Road at Dunnamore.
Directions from Cookstown (Google Maps)
If travelling from Draperstown, take the B47 through the village of Straw before bearing left on the Sixtowns Road. Turn left on the Davagh Road signed East Sperrins Scenic Route and after 3 miles the trailhead will be on your left hand side.
Directions from Draperstown (Google Maps)
Davagh 10K 2017 Race Review
On Saturday 11th November 2017, nearly two hundred athletes took on the opening race of the Sperrin Harriers Winter League Trail Series, the Davagh Forest 10k.
At the head of the men’s pack, it was Acorns AC man Eoin Hughes who excelled. Eoin put in a dominant performance to lead the field home in 35:51 (1st place). Northern Ireland international Shane Donnelly (Unattached) claimed 2nd place in 37:43, with Paul McAnespie of Armagh AC completing the top three just four second later in 37:47 (3rd place). Jason Wilson (Ballymena Runners) followed quickly in 37:50 (4th place) and Omagh Harriers’ Connor Maguire crossed the line in 37:55 (5th place).
Ballymena Runners’ Gillian Wasson continued her recent good form, taking a narrow victory in the ladies race. Gillian recorded 42:39 for 1st place, finishing just ahead of Julie Murphy (Lagan Valley AC), who claimed the runners up prize in 42:50 (2nd place). The ever consistent Karen McLaughlin (Springwell Running Club) crossed the line in 45:28 for 3rd place, while Greencastle AC’s Olivia Mullin (45:37) and Acorns AC’s Lisa Simpson (47:10) secured 4th place and 5th place respectively.