The Parkrun bug is spreading through the Newcastle AC junior camp and with the better weather and a few Easter Holiday lie ins already under the belt resulted in Castlewellan Parkrun welcoming a number of the Juniors for a Saturday Morning 5k.

270 people had the same idea as runners, walkers, dogs and prams gathered lakeside at 9.30am.

Patrick McDaid was the first of our Juniors to cross the line, securing 3rd place in 18.30, knocking another 12 seconds off his Parkrun PB.

Not far behind him, Henry Houston returned lakeside and dug deep the whole way around making light work of Crow Road to cross the line in 9th place in 19.21. This could only be described as a total obliteration of his previous PB set in 2022 at 20.11. This also marks his first sub 20 Parkrun and demonstrates the potential this young man has going forward.

Callum Flynn proved that consistency pays off as he was seconds out from his PB set in February crossing the line in 40th place in 22.18.

Emily Kerr was running her 79th Parkrun and was the 6th lady to cross the line in 22.47. Consistently week in, week out, clocking strong times and making improvements.

Mary Houston was on fire as she stormed around the course in 23.35 fighting for place right to the end.

Michael Lynch returned to Parkrun for his 41st Parkrun. Enjoying the beautiful morning that is was. He crossed the line in 24.11.

PBs continued to roll in with Donal McDaid, under the watchful eye of dad Damien, powering down the lake straight sneaking into 99th place in 26.30 for a parkrun PB.

Sophie Kerr ensured that dad Graham finished in 1 piece as she led him over the line in 27.11.

Clara Flynn continues to brighten up Crow Road with her smile as she let the hill effortlessly carry her down in 30.16. Club mate Aoife Grant ventured into new territory, running parkrun solo for the first time, crossing the line in 32.36.

Brother Rónán Grant opted this week to use Parkrun to entertain the family dog and ensure it was well exercised, completing the course in 41.16.

Another solid Parkrun for Charlotte Kerr who had plenty of life in her wee legs this week to put in a stunning sprint finish in 48.15.

A great turn out from the Juniors at our local parkrun. Well done all!