The Up and Over Challenge is now in its third year and is growing from strength to strength.
This year's event will take place on Saturday, April 13 at 1pm. The event is basically a mountain race, sandwiched between two road runs. Nephin Mountain at 806M high is even higher than Croagh Patrick.
The views from the summit are breathtaking and include Clew Bay to the west and Lough Conn and Lough Cullen to the East. The course begins with a 3.5k road run from Lahardane village to the foot of Nephin mountain. Participants ascend to the summit of Nephin and descend on the other side. There is then a 6.5k road run back to Lahardane village where refreshments await in Murphy’s bar.
The route is well marked and marshalled so if running, participants can focus on their time and not have to worry about navigation. The current course time to beat is Mens: 1:23.13 and Women’s: 1.39.09.
If you just want to walk it, then a bus is provided to take participants to and from the mountain. The organisers have introduced a team prize this year, where they will take the accumulated time for the four members of the team. So if you want to be the first team winners, then this is the year to do it. Registration for the event is €30 per individual entry or €100 for a group of four.
On line registration closes today April 12 at www.upandoverchallenge.com All monies raised go to local community organisations including Lahardane Tidy Towns group, The Glen Nephin Mens shed and the Nephin Valley Restoration group.
