Christmas Cracker 2013 Results

Photos by Graham McCauley
Photos by Paul Duffin
Photos by Dave Goddard

Record crowds for 30th Christmas Cracker in Castlewellan

A brief review by Bogusboy

The heavy rain and strong winds gave way to sunshine as a record 366 teams gathered in Castlewellan for the 30th running of a race that has now become a firm favourite with many due to its unique nature. Running with a partner is unusual in this individual sport and this coupled with the fact that the course is very different each year makes this event very different from what runners come to expect in a race. With many turning up in fancy dress, superheroes, rock bands, varying degrees of Christmas apparel and onesies to name but a few, there is a unique atmosphere in the crowded market town for the afternoon. In an unprecedented departure the race did not avail of the many trails in Castlewellan Forest Park, focusing instead on the many interesting lanes and bridal ways on the Drumee side of the town. Continue reading →

by Bogusboy
The Christmas Cracker is enjoying a continued renaissance since it was taken over by Newcastle AC and relocated to Castlewellan in the early ‘noughties’ and remains one of the most unique and popular races in the annual ANI calendar. On 27th December 2012 an incredible 292 teams took to the line and 2013 promises to be bigger and better with over 240 teams already registered and still a fortnight to go. Continue reading →

East Down pair retain Christmas Cracker title as record pairings complete the Castlewellan course.

A special report by Bogusboy’s Successor

By 11.45am the function room of Castlewellan GAC was buzzing with excitement as the athletes began to arrive en masse to register for the annual 14k trek around the environs of the market town.  The entry of 192 teams in 2011 was quickly surpassed due to the innovation of online registration, and by 12.45pm a record breaking 292 (exactly 100 above previous year) teams were registered and the atmosphere was beginning to reach a crescendo.  Indeed a high class field had assembled and each of the teams that would finish in the top 7 had at least one international athlete in the pairing, while a current NI track record holder James McIlroy would finish 14^th in his debut over such terrain. Continue reading →

Well done to the 286 teams who completed the race. A big thank you to all the helpers on the day. Full report will be posted soon.

RESULTS (updated 1/1/2013)
PHOTOS (by Paul Duffin)
PHOTOS (by Dave Goddard)

Videos by East Down AC

Final Pre Registration List (in alphabetical order by runner 1)

Online Registration is now closed. If you did not register online and still want to race please download this ENTRY FORM and bring it with you.

Race organiser contact : Marty McVeigh –  07880626654

A preview of the 29^th Christmas Cracker – by Joe McCann
It just keeps getting bigger!

The Christmas Cracker is enjoying a continued renaissance since it was taken over by Newcastle AC and relocated to Castlewellan in the early ‘noughties’ and remains one of the most unique and popular races in the annual ANI calendar.  Last year 191 teams completed the course, a record entry that looks certain to be smashed this year given the ever-increasing popularity of running in the last 12 months. Continue reading →

The Annual Castlewellan Christmas Cracker Pairs Race and Charity Walks will take place on Saturday 29th December 2012.

Online Registration for the race IS NOW OPEN Here and will close on Monday 24th December 2012

Race and Walk Details

No payment is required to register. Payment is due on the day when you pick up your race numbers. All those who register online will be entered in a free prize draw.

Any changes to partners can be made via email.