The Christmas Cracker 2022

On 27th of December the streets of Castlewellan were a heaving mass of colour in the hour preceding the start of the Annual Christmas Cracker Race hosted by Newcastle AC. The usual hectic scramble that ensues was as noticeable as ever this year, with runners frantically running around looking for their partners, some of whom have barely met before this contrived coming together. Add in the array of fancy dress from Santas to elves and nuns to reindeer, with a few pantomime and cartoon characters thrown in and you have a good picture of how it all looked to the bystanders.

Pick a Partner 

The main feature of this event is that it has to be run in pairs so there’s no point in heading off singly, whether you’re quicker than your companion or not, as the clock only stops once the 2 team members have crossed the line together. All this pre race activity is lost on the leading contenders who simply turn up, meet their chosen partner, warm up and make their way to the start line ignoring the frivolity of the wigs and tutus. Such a pairing was East Down AC’s Aaron McGrady and Eoin Lennon from Carnethy Hill Runners. Both accomplished mountain runners they were not in the least overawed by the presence of the dream team of Zak Hanna and Andrew Annett or at least they tried to give off that aura on the start line. Aaron had every right to be optimistic since he placed 3rd last year when partnered with Jonny Scott (Mourne Runners) and in 2020 took the overall win with Andrew Barrington. Eoin Lennon has an impressive list of ultra running and mountain running achievements to his name so he was also bringing a lot to the table. However in a race like the Cracker so much depends on form on the day, the weather and split decisions taken on which line to take across a muddy field. One slip can lose you the race so nothing is assured until the line is crossed. 

Aaron and Eoin go for Glory

Once the whistle blew the runners surged up Mill Hill and on through the town to the Bann Road. The stiff incline proved a good way of thinning the crowd and Aaron and Eoin made a determined effort to open up a gap from the get go. This got them out of harm’s way and proved to be the coup de grace as they were never subsequently headed. With over 9 miles of running, some boggy terrain and fences, stiles and gutters to contend with, there was no chance to relax but they egged each other on to maintain their lead and in the last mile looked fairly invincible to the point that they almost managed a smile on the last stretch. They crossed the line with a 16 second lead (over Hanna and Annett) delighted with the outcome and justifiably proud of their efforts. Their time of 56.40 set the bar high with only 4 pairings managing to finish under the hour. Well done, guys!

The Rest of the Field

There were 641 teams in the event with the latter end of the field taking substantially longer than the winners to complete the course but for many finishing was the aim rather than setting a fast time so they were just as pleased with their achievements. East Down was well represented as they featured in 22 teams. While some of these teams were made up of 2 EDAC runners, several were combinations with buddies from other clubs or just friends and family which adds to the convivial atmosphere of the day. Joe Napier and club mate Dermot Cahill placed 50th which was a commendable showing and demonstrates the strength and stamina possessed by this pair. Caroline MacNabb coming back to fitness after a maternity break was well able to keep up with husband Conaill and they were an impressive 59th in 1.14.48. Some of the runners were attempting the event for the first time, others were old hands at this, some dressed up and others thought that it would be hard enough to stay on their feet without the added hazard of costume issues but no matter their status the comments at the end were similar ie that was the hardest race ever done, that it was SO muddy, that it was brutal etc but within a short time the discussions turned to next year and a repeat performance. The camaraderie of running in a twosome clearing outweighing the pain factor. Well done to all – You are crackers the lot of you!

BARF Turkey Trot

Niall Gibney couldn’t wait until the 27th to get back in action so he headed out on Boxing Day for the Turkey Trot. This race is organised by BARF (Belfast Association of Rock Climbers and Fell Runners). Niall reported that it was the same route as previously ie starting and finishing at Meelmore Lodge. The course is just under 5 miles with 1346 feet of elevation. Although it was a dry, clear day, the winter chill was a great incentive to move as quickly as possible. The runners headed up the lane from Meelmore Lodge into the Trassey Valley before veering off to the col between Bernagh and Meelmore. This was followed by a final climb to the col between the Meels . It was a speedy, mucky descent down to Happy Valley and then back along the Mourne Way to the finish. Niall was happy to find that he had gone almost 4 minutes quicker than his last attempt and his time of 47.42 ranked him 17th out of 75. What a great way to work off Christmas Dinner. Well done, Niall!