NI and Ulster team announced for the 2021 Anglo-Celtic Plate 100k

09 June 2021

NI and Ulster team announced for the 2021 Anglo-Celtic Plate 100k

Written by Cara Jeffrey

The Northern Ireland Ultra Running Association has announced the Northern Ireland & Ulster team to take part in the Anglo-Celtic Plate 100K Home international on Saturday 21st August 2021 in Mondello Park, Kildare.

A seven-strong team of men and women has been named to take on hosts, Republic of Ireland, Scotland and Wales on a looped course. England has decided not to send a team because of Covid restrictions.

 

The team, which will be sponsored by Hornbill Consulting, includes brother and sister, Tim Brownlie (Willowfield Harriers) and Susan McCartney (BARF) from Belfast. Tim finished 9th in the last edition of the ACP in Perth, Scotland in 2019 where he set a new personal best of 7hrs 44 mins and Susan is the Northern Ireland record holder at 100K - a time of 9hrs 4 mins which she also set in Perth in finishing 8th.

 

The women’s team is completed by Carrickfergus ultra-runner Gillian Connolly (Seapark AC), who finished 9th in Perth also in a PB of 9hrs 9 mins and Mary Keenan from Omagh (ANI unattached). Mary is the current NI & Ulster 100k Champion claiming that title at the recent Whitespace NIURA 100k Championships at Down Royal on the 29th May. It will be her debut in a NI & Ulster vest.

 

The men’s team is completed by Gareth King (ANI), who finished second in the 50K at Down Royal in 3hrs 1min, Aberdeen based Dave Andrews (Ultra Running Club Ireland (NI)) who, in March ran 79k (49 miles) in a 6hr virtual race representing GB and NI and Johnny Breen (Dromore AC), who finished 6th at NI & Ulster 100K Championships. It will be first international vests for all three.

 

NIURA Chair Ed Smith says: “After the cancellation of last year’s race due to Covid we are delighted to have a representative team able to race again in Mondello Park although it is disappointing that England are not sending a team. It is only the second time a women’s team will have taken part in this Championship. In Scotland in 2019, they, along with the men, won team bronze medals.”

 

Justin Maxwell, Development Team Co-Ordinator says: "I'm delighted to see that NI & Ulster will be represented at the Anglo Celtic Plate 100k again. In this squad we have a mix of experienced ultra competitors and new international talent, all of whom will continue to improve. Over the last few years these athletes have had a range of individual successes and achievements, so it’s exciting to see them get together against top competition. I believe these teams will be successful."

 

FULL TEAM

 

MEN

Tim Brownlie (Willowfield Harriers)

Gareth King (ANI Unattached)

Dave Andrews (Ultra Running Club Ireland NI)

Johnny Breen (Dromore AC)

 

WOMEN

Susan McCartney (BARF)

Gillian Connolly (Seapark AC)

Mary Keenan (ANI Unattached)

 

For further info: 

Ed Smith. e: ed_n_smith@hotmail.com

Justin Maxwell. e: justinmaxwell700@gmail.com