Castlewellan Christmas Cracker
Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.
Castlewellan Christmas Cracker 2026
The Castlewellan Christmas Cracker is a pairs team race held on Monday 28th December 2026 around Castlewellan, County Down. Entries are by online registration through SiEntries and open from 23rd October. Entry is limited to 750 teams and there are no entries on the day.
Teams of two must run together and both members must cross the finish line. Race numbers are issued at registration at Castlewellan GAC, 21 Circular Road, Castlewellan, Co Down. Each team number is labelled A and B; the barcode on runner A is used to record finishing times. Team changes, refunds and transfers can be managed via the SiEntries system up to the published cut-off dates; a partial refund is available less an admin fee.
The course is approximately 8.5 miles and uses roads, fields and forest tracks in and around Castlewellan, with a marshalled cut-off point at about four miles for safety. There are no water stations on course; runners should carry their own water if required. The finish is in the campsite area of Castlewellan Forest Park. Showers and changing facilities are available.
All finishers receive a medal designed by the club’s junior members. Soup and rolls are provided after the race at the Community Centre opposite the GAA Club. Cash prizes are offered for first three teams in Men, Women and Mixed categories, plus age-category cash prizes by combined team age bands, and spot prizes for best fancy dress. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
