APEX Running to revive the Mourne Skyline
Today, we’re delighted to announce that after a two-year hiatus, APEX Running — organisers of some of the UK’s finest trail, ultra and Skyrunning events, including the Snowdon SkyRace® — have taken over from brothers Ryan and Justin Maxwell as the new organisers of the Mourne Skyline. Read on to learn more about what this brilliant news means for the Northern Irish trail running community.
An iconic race awaits its much-needed return this year. © No Limits Photography
With a rich history — its first edition taking place in 2014 — this iconic race was once a season-end staple fixture in the British & Irish Skyrunning calendar, prior to its cessation two years ago. A decade after inception, the race is now back for good, with this year’s edition provisionally set to take place on Saturday 12th October.
The spectacular Mourne Mountains await this Autumn. © No Limits Photography
Founded upon a commitment to innovation in trail running events, it’s no secret that APEX Running have established a reputation for creating some of the UK’s most notorious races, including Ultra-Trail Snowdonia and the Snowdon SkyRace®. This move signals the first step towards a bold new vision for the company, with other new and exciting Skyrunning events also currently in the pipeline.
APEX Running owner Michael Jones elaborates:
“While recently exploring new Skyrunning event concepts to develop, and considering my new duties as Managing Director for Skyrunning UK (news item HERE), it’s without hesitation that I jumped at the incredible opportunity to resurrect the Mourne Skyline, with the aim of recementing its stature as Northern Ireland’s finest mountain trail running event".
Mike in action racing the 2016 event. © Ian Corless
“I had a wonderful time at the 2016 edition, with the race’s stunning, unique route along the Mourne Wall and the warmth of its local trail running community leaving a memorable impression on me. It’s an honour to be bringing the event back for good, and I can’t wait to be on the other side of the race tape in October, welcoming runners from far and wide to the finish line in Newcastle!”
A truly unique route along the imposing Mourne Wall. © Ian Corless
On the handover of the Mourne Skyline MTR, former Race Director Ryan Maxwell explains:
"Justin and I are delighted to have worked with Michael in the handing over of our Mourne Skyline Mountain-Trail Race. We are excited to see where Michael takes the race, an event which we are so proud to have delivered as part of an amazing team for seven years”.
Don’t hit the wall; run alongside it! © No Limits Photography
“We felt that Michael’s passion and vision for providing a memorable Skyrunning experience for participants (and race team alike) matched our own and that’s why we were (and are) keen to support him in becoming the new event director of the Mourne Skyline. Justin and I wish Michael and his team every success going forward and would again emphasis our own gratitude to everyone who made the Mourne Skyline MTR possible throughout our own tenure”.
PRESENTING THE INAUGURAL IRISH SKYRUNNING CHAMPIONSHIPS
The rebirth of this seminal event aligns perfectly with the strategic vision Michael has for developing Skyrunning in the UK and Ireland in the coming years. Ahead of imminent announcement of the 2024 Skyrunner® UK & Ireland Series, today we’re delighted to reveal that in alliance with our friends at the Seven Sisters Skyline event in Donegal, Ireland, these two races will also form the inaugural Irish Skyrunning Championships.
Why not run the Seven Sisters Skyline in September too? © Ian Corless
For runners based in Ireland or Northern Ireland, their points tally from these two races will contribute towards their Irish Championships standing, with an exclusive Irish Champion vest — as well as other prizes supplied by Skyrunning UK and its series partners — being presented to the overall Male/Female series winners at the Mourne Skyline this October. Stay tuned to Skyrunning UK for further details arriving very soon!
HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF THE EVENT
To ensure a bright and prosperous future of the event, we're also currently exploring options for brand-new races that could take place on the same day as the classic Skyline.
The indomitable Slieve Donard: the final climb of the route © National Trust
If the thought of taking on an ultra-distance, or shorter race appeals this October, have your say now by completing the short survey HERE and be in with a chance of winning a free entry!
SAVE THE DATE!
The tenth anniversary edition of the Mourne Skyline is provisionally set to take place on Saturday 12th October, with its new webpage being launched in the coming weeks. Ahead of Saint Patrick’s Day, early bird entries to this year’s renaissance event will go live at 11:00 GMT on Saturday the 16th March via the links on the event webpage.
You better bring your climbing legs this October! © No Limits Photography
We anticipate the same exceptional demand the event has traditionally enjoyed, annually selling out within weeks of entries opening. So, if you want to secure your spot on the start line at the best rate, get your entry in ASAP once they go live!
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To follow the event on social media, find us on Facebook HERE, via @SkyRuntheMournes on Instagram and @MourneSkyMTR on Twitter/X.
