Category Archives: Christmas Cracker

Castlewellan Christmas Cracker 2025 Report, Results and Photos

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Report by Newcastle AC

The Christmas Cracker pairs running event has become a beloved fixture in the local sporting calendar, drawing runners from near and far to celebrate both competition and festive cheer. Established many decades back, this annual race is renowned for its spirited atmosphere and inclusivity, welcoming seasoned athletes and enthusiastic fun runners alike. Its reputation for excellent organisation and memorable moments means places sell out quickly, with this year’s 1,500 entries snapped up in a record 12 hours. Continue reading →

Christmas Cracker Medal Reveal 2025

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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 receiving their prizes

Newcastle AC Juniors presented with prizes for their winning medal designs

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Castlewellan Christmas Cracker 2025

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Live results available here:
Click here for results

Pairs Team Race – Saturday 27th December 2025, Start 1pm

The start is at The Newcastle Road/Circular Road junction in Castlewellan: Google map location. The race route at the start goes up to the roundabout and follows Castlewellan Main Street into the Main entrance of Castlewellan Forest Park.

The finish is in the campsite in Castlewellan Forest Park: Google map location.

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. The deadline to sell or cancel your entry is 24 December at 4pm.

Enter and make changes to your entry here:

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The Alternative Cracker Report

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Report by Siobhán Grant

The rain fell fast and the wind blew wild, I’m not scared said all the runners packed into the High School at the start of the Cracker.

But the reality was, no one knew what lay ahead so there was every reason to be scared. Especially after record breaking rainfall in the hours leading up to the start of the race. Continue reading →