Castlewellan Christmas Cracker

Event details

The Castlewellan Christmas Cracker is scheduled for 27 December 2025 at Castlewellan GAC, 21 Circular Road, Castlewellan, Co Down, BT31 9ED. The event is organised by Newcastle AC. Entries opened on 29 September 2025 and closed on 26 December 2025; the event is currently full and new entries are placed on a waiting list. Entry is by team of two only, with an entry fee of £40 per pair and an overall entry limit of 750 teams. All runners must be 16 or older. Registration takes place at Castlewellan GAC. No entries are taken on race day. Team changes and transfers are handled through the SiEntries system; refunds are available less a 20% admin charge up to 24 December.

Course, prizes and facilities

The course is approximately 8.5 miles, combining roads, fields and forest tracks in and around Castlewellan. There is a safety cut-off at about 4 miles. All finishers receive a medal. Cash prizes are awarded to the first three teams in Men, Women and Mixed categories, with additional cash prizes for the first team outside the top three in combined-age categories 80-99, 100-119, 120-139 and 140+. Spot prizes are given for best fancy dress. Soup and a roll are provided after the race at the Community Centre opposite the GAA Club. No bottled water will be provided at the finish. Changing facilities and showers are available. No dogs, headphones or prams are allowed. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.