A key date in the NI running calendar is the Castlewellan Christmas ‘Cracker’ pairs race between Christmas and New Year.
A tough ‘off road’ – and often ‘off trail’ race in the hills and fields around Castlewellan were pairs of runners, male, female, or mixed pair with the two ages combined slog it out and must start and finish the race together.
BRAC at the Christmas Cracker
There was much anticipation in the build-up to this year’s race in Castewellan – and despite registration being open months in advance, the entries sold out in record time, a clear indication that this race has become a firm favourite for the elite and the not so elite runner.
For most, it is the sense of turning up on the day not knowing what to expect – hence the ‘cracker’ in the race title.
The race has two unique selling points. Firstly, you have to run with a partner and you are only ever as good as your other half, and secondly, only a select few Newcastle AC members know the course in advance.
BRAC in fancy dress at the Cracker
All the runners know in advance is that the race will begin and end in Castlewellan and it is between 8.5 and 9 miles.
Irish Mountain Runner Zak Hanna (Newcastle AC) paired with Andrew Annett (North Belfast Harriers), winner of the hotly contested Armagh 10. This international pairing with real climbing pedigree firmly lived up to their billing as odds-on favourites and were almost 3 minutes ahead of their nearest challengers, the youthful pairing of Jared Martin (Ballydrain) and Tom Crudgington (Newcastle AC).
The ladies’ race was a tighter affair with Amanda Perry and Denise Logue from Ballydrain winning by 25 seconds from Dearbhla Cox (Annadale Striders) and Niamh Donnelly (Armagh AC). The podium was completed by Clair Quigley and Fiona McQuillan (both North Down AC).
The mixed team event is always closely fought and this year was no different. With a mile to go to the finish eventual winners Aidan Brown (Newcastle AC) and Nakita Burke (Letterkenny AC) were still under pressure from Stephen Connolly and Caitlyn Harvey from North Down AC. However, in the final twists and turns the former prevailed and ran out winners by around a minute, finishing 8th and 10th overall respectively. The podium was completed by Neil McGeough, Newcastle’s rising star and his partner, Irish Olympian Kerry O’Flaherty, an athlete more at home on the track and over barriers than climbing ditches.
Ballymena runners had quite a few pairs competing – with most in the traditional fancy dress – well done all!
Jason Wilson was the first Ballymena Runner to finish (partnering with Jamie Coulter-Smyth North Down AC) in a time of 01:01:22.
Paul Connolly and Robert Clyde finished in a time of 01:14:50
Paul and Robert
Mark Alexander and Chris Young finished strong in a time of 01:30:59 considering they were in fancy dress!
Chris and Mark
Francis McGuigan and Mandy Gregg performed well in the Mixed 100 - 119 age group finish9ing in 01:34:51
Denise Doherty and Noeleen McKillop finished strong in the Female 80 - 99 age group in 01:47:51. Closely followed by Teresa Mark and Scott Fleming in the Mixed 100 - 119 age group in 01:49:42. Not far behind them came ‘father and daughter pairing of Catherine Stewart and Jim Stewart in 01:51:36.
Catherine and Jim
Another family pairing of mum Aine Hasson, and daughter Anna Hasson finished in 01:58:02. Father and son John Hasson and Sean Hasson had finished earlier in a time of 01:16:14.
Not to be out done Club athlete Ruth Aiken teamed up with Lindsay Aiken just behind the Hassons in 01:58:13.
Then came Ballymena Runners own ABBA tribute act with Wendy Graham, Helen McCormack, Geraldine McClintock, and Andrea Wylie finishing together in 02:02:22.
ABBA at the Cracker - Gerry Helen Andrea and Wendy