The Christmas Cracker is sold out. If you can no longer run please read our Frequently Asked Questions for your options to sell or cancel your entry and how to do this on SiEntries.
Entries to the Christmas Cracker are available through SiEntries. Entries open 6pm Monday 29th September 2025.
Enter here:
Online Registration only.
Pairs Team Race – Saturday 27th December 2025, Start 1pm
Provisional calendar for the Hill & Dale Series and Slieve Donard Race:
| Date | Start Time | Event |
| Thursday 16 April 2026 | 19:30 | Castlewellan |
| Thursday 23 April 2026 | 19:30 | Tollymore |
| Thursday 30 April 2026 | 19:30 | Slieve Martin |
| Thursday 7 May 2026 | 19:30 | Binnian |
| Thursday 14 May 2026 | 19:30 | Hen & Cock |
| Thursday 21 May 2026 | 19:30 | Luke’s |
| Saturday 30 May 2026 | 11:00 | Slieve Donard Race |
| Thursday 4 June 2026 | 19:30 | Millstone |
| Thursday 11 June 2026 | 19:30 | Loughshannagh |
| Thursday 18 June 2026 | 19:30 | Meels |
| Friday 26 June 2026 | 19:30 | Drinnahilly |
Races are subject to permit. Further details, including how to enter, will be available soon.
Bogusboy reports from Costa Teguise
Newcastle Athletics Club swapped the winter chill for the Lanzarote sunshine as a determined squad took on the island’s famous endurance festival. When the trip was first mooted there was a lot of enthusiasm. In typical fashion this dissipated quickly with all but the stalwarts fading one by one. The club chairman was a definite to the bitter end until he realised that he had to source a diamond tipped spark plug for the Jag, thus rendering him unavailable. Others could not leave their underlings to manage change and transform lives and so they could not go, though the FOMO was hanging out of them!!!
Newcastle AC in Lanzarote
Massive congratulations to Newcastle AC’s Harry McVeigh who won the U13 National XC Championship in Dublin on Saturday 7 December.
Harry won on the 2,500m course in a time of 08:48 ahead of Philip Griffith (Claremorris AC) 08:56 (2nd) and Donal Devlin 09:00 (Keep ‘Er Lit) (3rd).
Harry McVeigh – U13 Champion with Dad Connaire
We’re delighted to unveil the 2025 Christmas Cracker Medal Design—a truly special creation crafted by the talented Newcastle AC Juniors! This year’s young designers produced an incredible range of entries, each one bursting with creativity and festive spirit, making the final choice no easy task.
After reviewing all the entries, Emily Kerr’s standout design was selected as the winner, and she was proudly presented with a Newcastle AC hoodie. Our fantastic runners-up also received club T-shirts in recognition of their brilliant work.
Everyone who completes the course on Saturday 27th December will earn one of these bespoke medals—an unforgettable keepsake from this year’s Christmas Cracker!
Newcastle AC Juniors presented with prizes for their winning medal designs
Newcastle AC Team
The Post-Primary runners have once again embraced Mountain Mondays, bringing with them a mix of challenge, adventure, and team spirit. From tackling the hills of Castlewellan to climbing through Donard Wood and up to the Quarry and the Mast, every step tested their endurance and determination.
It was an incredible effort — where the views were earned, spirits ran high, and excitement grew as they now look forward to the cross-country season ahead.
Newcastle AC Juniors at training in Castlewellan
Newcastle AC Juniors (plus some coaches!) at training in Donard Park