Slieve Donard
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Slieve Donard Race
The event is a mountain running race around Donard Forest Park with the route starting at Newcastle Centre and finishing on the pitches in Donard Park, subject to permits. The course distance is 10 km with an ascent of 850 m, and the route is not fully waymarked so navigation or local route knowledge is required, in particular on the descent.
Checkpoints must be visited in order and will be checked by marshals. The course includes the Saddle cairn, the summit, the quarry gate and a footpath entrance marked by two rocks. There is a cut-off point set for reaching the Saddle; athletes who do not meet cut-off times may be escorted back to the finish by marshals.
Mandatory safety equipment must be carried for the whole race irrespective of conditions and will be checked at the start and finish. Required kit includes a compass, whistle, waterproof jacket with taped seams and hood, waterproof trousers, hat and gloves. Runners must not use headphones or trekking poles. The Mourne Wall must not be crossed and competitors must not cross tape at the top of the quarry.
The minimum age is 16. Entry is limited to 200 competitors and fees are listed as £15 affiliated and £17 unaffiliated. Organiser is Newcastle AC. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
