Cairncastle Classic

Cairncastle Classic Fell Race

The Cairncastle Classic Fell Race is a medium distance fell event run over 10 miles with approximately 2200 ft of climbing. The event is authorised and supported by the Northern Ireland Mountain Running Association. The event base is at Ballygally, a coastal village about 5 miles north of Larne. Registration is at Cairncastle Primary School, with car parking and toilet facilities nearby.

The route starts at Cairncastle Primary School and follows Cairncastle Road uphill for about 1 mile, passing the local pub Matties Meeting House. The course continues on a farm track onto the fells and up to the face of Knockdhu, then along the Sallagh Braes to Check Point 1 at a stile with views over the countryside and Larne lough. A descent leads to Check Point 2 on the valley floor. A gradual ascent on a rough tractor path reaches the Antrim Hills way and the turning point at Check Point 3. Runners return north to Check Point 4 at Linford Car Park and then climb to Scawt Hill at Check Point 5. From Scawt summit the route descends to the shoreline, joins a rocky tractor path to Check Point 6 and reaches the coast road near The Half Way House hotel and restaurant. The final section is a flat run back to the school, passing Ballygally Castle on the way.

The route is not fully waymarked. Only road junctions will be signposted and private paths will have minimal marking. Some flagging will guide runners between CP1 and CP2 and between CP5 and CP6.

Entry information includes a minimum age of 16, entries open 1 May 2026 and close 4 June 2026. Entry fees are Affiliated £14 and Unaffiliated £16.

Participants are asked to carry essential fell running kit. Recommended items include a hat or buff, gloves, waterproof jacket with hood and taped seams, waterproof bottoms with taped seams, foil blanket, fully charged mobile phone, route map, compass, emergency food and a drinking vessel capable of holding at least 330 ml. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.