10/08/2026
On Saturday 8th August 2026, two of the most respected mountain running events in Northern Ireland took place, BARF's Seven Sevens in the Mourne Mountains and Lurig Run, hosted by Glens Runners, as part of the annual ‘Heart of the Glens’ Festival in Cushendall.
Both races always attract a good field of athletes, but are two very different challenges. Lurig is an out and back course, from the village to the mountain top and back, totalling 3.6 miles and almost 1200ft of ascent/descent. Whilst the iconic Seven Sevens route is approximately 19 miles in distance, with a staggering 8600ft of elevation +/-.
At the Lurig Run, it was veteran Allan Bogle City of Derry Spartans who claimed the win. Interestingly, back in 2016, it was also Allan who took top spot on the podium. This year, the former NI International competitor crossed the finish line in 30:34, only 2 seconds ahead of the talented Joshua McAtee of Mourne Runners (30:36). Another previous winner here, Phil Goss North Belfast Harriers took 3rd in 31:03.
In the women’s race it was local lady Naomi McCurry (Glens Runners) who for the 2nd year running, took victory in a fast 36:16. Club-mate Niamh Marrs secured 2nd place in 37:35, before Newcastle Athletic Club women Sam McNeilly took 3rd in 39:01. Sam completed a sub-20 5k in Carlingford on Friday evening.
Glens Runners won both the male and female team prizes.
Moving to County Down, on his first visit to the Seven Sevens Race, U23 star Tom Crudgington (Newcastle AC) claimed top spot, leading from the front to take the win in an incredible 3:46:28. Previous champion, Adam Cunningham (Mourne Runners) took 2nd (3:51:13) ahead of mountain ultra-man Ashley Crutchley (4:01:16) of Newcastle AC. Only a few weeks back, Ashley was racing 100k in Australia (and also took a podium place).
In the women's event, Helen Reid (Unattached) impressed. Helen led for most of the race and crossed the line in 6:03:38. Glens Runner Joanna Wheeler-Connon continued her great run of form, taking 2nd in 6:14:43, before Sarah Knight (Unattached) rounded off the women’s podium places in 6:25:49.