On Saturday 25 April the Mournes delivered a spectacular backdrop for the second round of the 2026 NIMRA Championship, as runners took on the legendary Annalong Horseshoe and, for the first time, a brand‑new Short Course option introduced as part of the new NIMRA League structure. The short race was the fifth race in the 2026 League. With unseasonably warm sunshine and clear skies, conditions were beautiful but demanding, adding an extra sting to an already challenging day in the hills.
Annalong Horseshoe – Championship Race (20km / 2000m)
A total of 65 runners set off from Carricklittle, tackling a brutal skyline route that climbed over Chimney Rock, Donard, Commedagh, Cove, Lamagan, and Binnian before descending back to the finish. The heat made the long climbs even more punishing, but the clear visibility offered stunning views across the Mournes.
Newcastle AC had just one athlete in the Championship race, but Rebecca ensured the club was represented in style. Her victory in the women’s race was decisive, and finishing 8th overall in a field of 65 under such warm conditions was an exceptional achievement. It was a performance marked by strength on the climbs, confidence on the technical ground, and impressive consistency across the full 20km route.
The men’s race was won in commanding style by Adam Cunningham of Mourne Runners, who set a blistering pace from the early climbs and maintained his lead to finish in 2:30:13. Behind him, Niall McCartan of BARF secured second place in 2:52:00 after a strong and steady run across the high peaks. The final podium place went to Ronan Davison‑Kernan, also of BARF, who completed the course in 2:54:06.
In the women’s race, Rebecca Magee of Newcastle AC delivered a superb performance to take the win in 3:05:22. Running confidently throughout, she handled the heat and the steep climbs with real composure, finishing more than two minutes clear of her nearest rival. Karen Wilton of Jog Lisburn RC claimed second place in 3:07:42 after a strong descent off Binnian, while Rachel Burgess, running unattached, completed the women’s podium in 3:44:10.
Rebecca Magee – winner of the Annalong Horseshoe
Short Course – New NIMRA League Race (10km / 500m)
Alongside the main event, NIMRA introduced a new Short Course option as part of the updated league structure. This 10km route climbed from Carricklittle to the col between Lamagan and Binnian, continued to the summit of Binnian, and then followed the Mourne Wall back to the finish. The format proved immediately popular, attracting 53 finishers and offering a challenging but more accessible alternative to the full Horseshoe.
Newcastle AC fielded a strong team of six runners in the Short Course, led by an outstanding victory from Ashley Crutchley, who looked composed and in control throughout. Next in with a strong run in 5th place was Pete Grant. Not far behind was Pearse Brogan, Cathal Brannigan, and Sam McNeilly who filled 10th to 12th place, showing real depth across the team. Dominic McGreevy rounded out the Newcastle results with a solid performance in 24th, demonstrating strong endurance on the steep ground.
The men’s race was dominated by Ashley Crutchley of Newcastle & District AC, who took control early and powered away to win in 52:38, finishing almost four minutes ahead of the field. Andrew Ó Donnghaile of Galway City Harriers secured second place in 56:21 after a strong climb to Binnian, while Alan Stretton of Armagh AC completed the podium in 59:43.
Andrew ODonnghaile, Ashley Crutchley and Alan Stretton – men’s podium
The women’s race was won by Esther Dickson of Newry AC, whose experience on steep ground showed as she finished in 1:07:45. Newcastle AC’s Sam McNeilly produced an excellent performance to take second place in 1:10:01, closing strongly on the descent. Ciara Ryan, running unattached, finished third in 1:11:07.
Many thanks to BARF and all the volunteers who organised such an excellent event.
Sam McNeilly, Esther Dickson and Ciara Ryan – Ladies Podium