Saab Salomon head to the Mourne mountains

Press Release / 02.04.2009

This weekend sees the opening round of the British Fell Running Championships in the beautiful Mourne mountains, Northern Ireland. The race at Slieve Bearnagh is only 4 miles in length but manages to rise a brutal 2690ft in that distance and is part of the 4-round championship, visiting all four nations. The series features 2 short, one long and one medium distance race, finishing in North Wales at the super steep Y Garn race in August.

Saab Salomon Outdoor Team will be sending a strong and in-form team to the race. Fresh from recent wins in Europe and the UK Tom Owens (Trail du Vetoux), John Heneghan (Wild Boar and Wolf’s Pit) and new-recruit Robbie Simpson (Bishop Hill) will all travel with high hopes – indeed Simpson’s preparations have seen him target specific short, steep races in preparation for this one. 2006 winner and reigning. British champ Rob Hope has been in fine form of late too, with 3rd place behind John H and Ian Holmes at the recent Half-Tour, and will be there to start the defence of his title as will long-time Saab Salomon man Nick Sharp fresh from his win at last weekend’s Causey Pike

With Natalie White still coming back from a knee injury, and both Anna Frost and 5-time British champ Angela Mudge not traveling, it will be up to the men’s team to challenge for top honours. More info on the Slieve Bearnagh race and the British championship can be found at the FRA website. www.fellrunner.org.uk