Tuesday 11 January 2011

Just when you thought it was safe to curl up on the sofa...

Just when you thought it was safe to curl up on the sofa, the 26 Extreme Winter race series is back. The first half of the series in late 2010 got off to a flying start with runners travelling from as far away as Donegal to take part in one of the only series of night running races in the UK. There was also a fantastic local club turnout delivering some impressive finish times, setting targets high for 2011. Unfortunately just as things where starting to get interesting, the last two races of 2010 where plagued with plunging temperatures, snow and ice, resulting in the race organisers, Rowan McMahon and Ian Cumming, making the difficult decision to cancel the last two races of 2010.

Now with the thaw in sight and New Year’s resolutions set in stone, the race is on to beat your own personal goals or race for the series win. Weather you’re an avid fell runner or a newcomer to the sport of off road running, this series is guaranteed to light you up.

For 2011 there will be seven races taking place, from the stunning Stormont estate in Belfast to the beautiful Kilbroney Park in Rostrevor. The races will take the same format as before Christmas, all on paths and fire roads - hilly, in the dark, in keeping for 26 Extreme’s reputation for tough but stunning and well organised events. Once again head torches are a must to guide you along the route’s twists and turns. Off road running shoes are recommended to keep you upright and heading in the right direction. Surf Mountain will have a small shop at the Stormont race should anyone need some last minute gear. Glen from Championchip Timing is back again for another year to make sure you know how well you have done and the crew from Soundfunction DJ will be there to keep us jumping at the start line. Also joining the team will be the Brew Crew with coffee, snacks and soup to fend off the winter chill.

The 2011 dates are as follows:

For more info in the race series or any other 26 Extreme Event, log onto www.26extreme.com

Live more! Get into the 26 Extreme Winter Race Series