Saturday 10th August saw the annual 7×7’s fell race take place, and with weather conditions poor all week runners were on standby for a last minute cancellation on Saturday morning, alas it was not to be and the race went ahead as planned at 10am.

Every year sees the route change direction, back in its traditional start location of Donard Park, the race took runners over Donard, Commedagh, Bearnagh, Meelmore and Meelbeg before dropping down towards the foot of Doan and continuing around to cross Ben Crom reservoir. The ground here is usually heavy going and this year was no exception as a very wet summer left it like a sponge. After crossing Ben Crom, it’s a long out and back run to the summit of Binnian before the final checkpoint on top of Lamagan. From here, it’s a long way back to Donard Park and many a place is swapped as runners begin to tire on this tough 18 mile course. Continue reading →

By The Head Chef

Nine Newcastle and District AC members put their toes to the line to support the now annual Slieve Croob 5k/10k challenge in the Dromara Hills on an overcast but humid Saturday morning.

With a big turnout for this great event, the course for both the 5k and 10k races is known by all participants to be a test of grit and determination as it involves hills, hills and more hills followed by a technical decent to the finish. Efficient as ever, Newcastle and District AC legend Frank Morgan ensured both the 5k and 10k races got away on time with his whistle going at exactly 10.01am. Continue reading →

By the Head Chef

Two Newcastle and District AC members put their toes to the line on Wednesday night past to compete in the inaugural Ardglass Festival 5k and 10k road races. In the 50th anniversary of the Ardglass festival local hotelier Jack O’Hare and the Brian McVeigh made the short trip to the picturesque fishing town to compete.

O’Hare Leads from start to finish
Following two extremely tough Donard Forest quarry/mast training sessions on the Monday and Tuesday evening it was very much a surprise to see O’Hare arrive in his Bentley to compete in the 10k race. O’Hare did not disappoint and lead the race out from the local primary school start line down to the harbour front and then out the Strangford Road towards Chapeltown. The route then made its way to Coney Island before a tough incline along the Killough Road and back to the finish in Ardglass. It was along the incline along the Killough Road where O’Hare really came into his own and made his move to claim overall first position in a very impressive time of 36.52. For winning the race O’Hare was presented by the race organisers with a clock which he claims he will place above the ovens in the kitchen of his Avoca Hotel, resort and Spa in order to keep his chefs on track. It is also reported O’Hare is on the lookout for a wall medal hanger to show off his medal haul from over the years. Can any Newcastle members can help him out with one? Continue reading →

The Annual Mill Hill Mile Race takes place on Tuesday 3rd September 2019 at 7:00pm.

Online Registration is NOW OPEN. ALL runners MUST register online. Online Registration will close on Monday 2nd September at 9pm.

This year we are working in co-ordination with Aughlisnafin GAC. The entry fee is a donation and this will be donated to Air Ambulance NI.

We have recently teamed up with Club Force to provide you all with the most up-to-date communications system on the market.

We would ask you all to follow the steps below to download the Mobile App for your smartphone.

1. Follow this link from any smartphone http://member.clubforce.com/mcfapp.asp
2. Open the Club Force App and click ‘Create an Account’
3. Enter your details into this form. Once completed, log in to the app.
4. Search/Find Club – Newcastle Athletic Club
5. Add this club to your Favourites. This will ensure you receive all notifications for the Club.

We know in the past many of you had issues receiving club emails, so this new system will rectify this issue.

YOU DO NOT NEED TO FILL IN ANOTHER MEMBERSHIP FORM. 

Please use the same email address that you have used to sign up as a member previously! If this has changed, let us know by emailing info@newcastleac.org

Once you have downloaded the App, please press the Club Force Logo in the Top Left Corner and then press “Account History”. You should see all your active memberships there. If you don’t see them there, please let us know.

If you have any questions or need any support, please email info@newcastleac.org

M. B. McGrady & Co Chartered Accountants is setting the pace this September with the launch of Co. Down’s first ‘Beer and Bubbles 5km’ run in a bid to raise money for its charity partner, Air Ambulance NI. Open to competitors of all ages and experiences, the race will take place on Thursday 12th September, at Finnebrogue Woods, Downpatrick. The first 5km race to take place at the idyllic venue, the route will take in the stunning woodland and finish close to the lakeside, where you will be able to soak up the atmosphere while enjoying a glass of local beer or prosecco. The race starts at 6.30pm, with registration open from 5.30pm. So, what are you waiting for? Get your running shoes laced up. To register, visit: www.mbmcgrady.eventbrite.co.uk