Castlewellan Christmas Cracker FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Christmas Cracker race. If you still have a question that isn’t answered below please contact info@newcastleac.org and we will be happy to help.

 

FAQs

What are the key dates I need to know?

  • The race will be held on Saturday 27th December at 1pm.
  • Entries open 29th September at 6pm.
  • Registration opens on Friday 26th December 6pm-7pm, and on Saturday 27th December between 10am-12.15pm (do not arrive late!)
  • Team changes can be made up to Friday 26th December at 4pm.
  • Refunds less a 20% admin charge are available up to 24th December 6pm. No cancellations after this date.

Questions about the entry process

We missed out on getting an entry before the event sold out. Is there a waiting list?

Yes. We have introduced a waiting list this year for the first time on SiEntries. If an entry becomes available and you are on the waiting list we will send you an invite email through SiEntries. Please check your mail/junk mail periodically. These invites expire so if you do not respond we will send an invite to the next person on the list.

My partner can no longer run but I’ve found someone else. Can I change the team details?

Yes. Log on to www.sientries.co.uk. Edit the team member details to your new team mate. If they are already registered with SiEntries you only need their SiEntries ID and email. Click through each step and save the new details. Changes can be made up until 26th December at 4pm.

We can no longer run. Can we get a refund?

Yes. We have introduced two options if you can no longer run:
1. Sell your entry
If you know someone that wants to run you can sell your entry direct to them through www.sientries.co.uk. Select the sell button and enter their email address. They will get an invite email to register. You will get a refund less transaction fees. This option is available up to 24th December 6pm
2. Cancel your entry
If you don’t know anyone that would like your entry and you would prefer us to allocate to someone on the waiting list you can cancel your entry less an admin fee of 20%. This fee covers transaction fees and the additional work required processing the transaction. This option is available up to 24th December 6pm

Someone has offered to sell their entry to me. How do I pay for this entry and know I’m entered?

  • STOP! Before proceeding ask yourself do you know this person?
  • Do they have an entry? (Check the entry list on SiEntries to confirm)
  • If they are calling their entry a ‘ticket’ this is also a sign it’s a scammer
  • Are they asking for a bank transfer or cash? Do not proceed this is a scam!
  • All transactions are processed through SiEntries. If they have an entry to sell you direct they will ask for your email and send you an invite to register and pay direct through SiEntries.
  • You can check you are registered by looking for your team name on the entry list on SiEntries. You can also view your entry when you log on to SiEntries under the “My Entries/Memberships” tab on the left hand side of the screen.

I don’t know my partner’s details. Can I make them up?

No! Please make sure all details are correct. If your partner is already registered with SiEntries you can ask for their SiEntries ID and email. Their personal details will auto populate saving you time. Please especially make sure dates of birth and emergency contact details are correct. Inputting a date of birth 01/01/1900 might seem clever but this causes issues at prize giving where teams unfairly miss out on their category wins.

 

Questions about logistics on the day

When will I receive my race number?

Team race numbers are collected at registration, at the GAA Club in Castlewellan. Registration opens on Friday 26th December 6pm-7pm, and on Saturday 27th December between 10am-12.15pm (do not arrive late!)

When will I receive final instructions with further race details?

A final instructions email will be sent on 25th December. (a nice Christmas present from us!) This will have all the details you need including where to park, where the race start is, and other important information.

Are there toilets?

Yes. Toilets will be are available opposite the GAA Club in Community Hall car park, toilets at registration in the GAA Club, toilets at the start and public toilets at the Upper Square in Castlewellan.

Are there showers and changing facilities? 

Yes. Showers are available at the GAA club in Castlewellan.

Where do I park?

Parking will be available in the local Schools and Churches, look for signs.
Parking also available in Castlewellan Forest Park is subject to normal charges.
Please park responsibly and follow any instructions given by Newcastle AC stewards.

 

Questions about the course and terrain

What shoes do I wear?

The course will be mixed terrain so ideally a trail shoe would be best.

Will there be water stops on the course?

No. If you need water please bring this with you as there will be no water stops or bottled water at the finish.

How do I train for this race?

The Castlewellan Christmas Cracker is a unique mixed terrain event ran in pairs. In the months leading up to the event build your mileage up so you can comfortably run 8-10miles over hilly terrain.

Will there be cut-offs on the course?

Yes. There will be marshalled cut-offs on the course. This is not only for your safety but the safety of our volunteers. Please follow the marshalls instructions. If you are diverted at the cut-off you will still have a time and be included in the results.
It gets dark early at this time of year and we need to ensure all runners are off the course safely before dark.

What will the course be like? Can you share a GPX file?

The course is kept a secret and only a select few know and will not share the course in advance! (The course planner does not use GPX or even know what that means…) While we don’t know what exactly is in store we do know it will be hilly, muddy, with trail sections and some road (a bit of everything!) The course is approx. 8.5miles.

Are there any top tips for race day?

• This is a pairs race so do not leave your partner behind! You cannot cross the line without your partner so do not leave them at any point during the race either. Leaving your partner does not make them run faster (it probably causes the opposite effect.) Run together as a team!
• Be prepared to get muddy!
• The course will be challenging with plenty of elevation.
• There are no water stops on the course. If you need water for a run between 8-10mile please carry this yourself.
• Have fun and support each other out on the course!

 

Questions about after the race 

Is there a finisher medal?

Yes. All finishers will receive a medal designed by our Newcastle AC Junior Members.

Are there prizes?

Yes! There are cash prizes available for 1st 2nd and 3rd Male, Female and Mixed teams. There are also cash prizes available for age category winners for Male, Female and Mixed teams. We also have spot prizes for the best fancy dress!

Will there be refreshments afterwards? 

Yes! Soup and rolls are available afterwards at the Community Centre directly opposite the GAA Club in Castlewellan where you collected your number. The Bar will also be open in the GAA Club House with live results displayed. We would love you all to stay and enjoy the Castlewellan hospitality and prize giving.

What time is prize giving? 

We aim to start prize giving at 3.30pm. Prize giving will be in the GAA Club where you collected your race numbers.

When will results be available? (I want to see if I beat my mate!)

We publish live results subject to Internet connection. Results will be available on our website on the day. As these results are live there may be some minor errors. These will be rectified in the final version.