Attended the Down Royal Race Meeting on Boxing Day - large attendance of 5,500. Very wet until last two races when sun came out and a rainbow appeared over the lines of punters at the bookmakers stands.

CU2D5552-e2

I am reading John Bryant's book on Chris Brasher and having just read the account of the first 4 minute mile in 1954 in which Brasher paced Bannister for the first 2 laps I decided to do a search on Google for footage of the race.

I found this - coverage of the full race:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWqwi6FcyH8

The race was held in Glenariff Glen which had a light covering of snow. The light was not good but the backdrop was dramatic. James McIlroy won the men's race and Sharan Trimble won the Women's Race. What a fantastic place to run - I wish I could run this race!

http://www.hmphotographs.com/p32134262

The Ballymena Runners mascot ran this race suitably attired in club colours.

http://www.hmphotographs.com/p32134262/h309e6ec7#h309e6ec7