Third Junior Cross Country series begins in Castlewellan on Saturday 15^th September

Results of Race 1 and Team standings
Photos by Michael McCartan and Graham McCauley.

Series preview by Joe McCann

NOTE : Online Registration is now CLOSED. You can still enter on Sat. Please arrive early to do so.

The highly popular and eminently successful McGrady Financial Services Junior Cross Country Series roars back into life with the opening race of the 2012-13 season in the Spring Gardens of Castlewellan Forest Park.  The series has been very well attended throughout the first two years and affords young athletes of all abilities the unique opportunity to take part in well organised races in picturesque places.

Generous Sponsorship

Newcastle AC Chairman Deon McNeilly acknowledged the generous sponsorship of the series main sponsor, McGrady Financial Services, commenting that without the financial support offered it would be impossible to provide the wonderful prizes on offer for those athletes who complete the series by taking part in four of the five races on the fixture list below. Philip McCrickard, on behalf of the sponsors, stated that he was delighted to be involved in supporting an event which empowered young people to become more active and health conscious.

A warm welcome to Burren AC

In an exciting new development athletes from the emerging Burren AC will be competing in the series for the first time and we welcome their participation in the five races spanning from September 2012 to February 2013.  They will join registered athletes from Newcastle AC and East Down AC in the three club competition. This year a new scoring system will see all competitors taking part score points for their team, with bonus points available for teams that are best represented in the various categories.  Shields will be awarded to the highest scoring boys’ and girls’ teams at the end of the series.

New Venues and old favourites

There will also be a new venue added to the race list this year when Race 2 will be held in the beautiful setting of Killbroney Forest Park on 14^th October.  Other stunning locations include Delamont Country Park, Castleward and Tollymore where the series will conclude.

Something for everyone

The series is aimed at meeting the needs of  all participants: from those looking for a fun way to exercise; for those first timers at looking to sample the experience of cross country running g to old timers trying to better their positions from series 1 or 2 to the experienced juniors hoping to get selected for future championship events.  Parents and family members are encouraged to keep up the established practice of coming along to support their own children and their clubs

Registration

Online registration is now open for members of the three clubs and this should be completed before arriving at Castlewellan as it will speed up event management on the day.  Register Online HERE. 

Dates for 2012 – 2013 Series