Saturday 30th Dec saw the annual running of one of the most popular team races in N Ireland. Over 600 pairs of runners took on the multi terrain course, which changes each year to keep everyone guessing. With poor weather conditions early on the race could have been in jeopardy, but with a quick route change and improving conditions Newcastle AC got the runners to the start line. This race is a big favourite with EDAC and the club had 10 members in club colours or fancy dress. The rain held off and 1 344 runners set off though Castlewellan and into the Forest park and onto many muddy farmers fields, steep hills and tracks, finishing in front of the Castle on the campsite. This event has a great atmosphere and support round the course which is much needed at times. Well done Newcastle AC and the winners Jared

Martin and Thomas Renshaw. And well done to all East Down athletes.

EDAC runners and their partners

2nd Aaron McGrady (EDAC) Timmy Johnston (Annadale Striders)

14th Gordy Graham (EDAC) Conn Rooney (Newcastle AC)

44th Paul Burns (EDAC) Martin Willcox (EDAC)

45th Hannah Somani (EDAC) Mark McGrady

55th Dee Murrey (EDAC) Stuart Neale (Ballydrain Harriers)

70th Dermot Cahill (EDAC) Joe Napier (EDAC)

76th James Cuffey (EDAC) Niall Gibney (EDAC)

81st Paul Lloyd (EDAC) Gareth Brown

169th Gavin Hynds (EDAC) NIamh Kellett (EDAC)

216th Kieron McMahon (EDAC) Eugine O’Boyle

331st Daniel Giles (EDAC) Liam Sloan (Newry City Runners)

335th Ashley McGrady (EDAC) Rachel Frew

353th Stephen Heasley (EDAC) Clare Carson (Down Tri Club)

420th James Magennis (EDAC) Cheryl Denvir (EDAC)

439th Ella Carroll (EDAC) Aoife Cochrane (EDAC)

476th Wendy Findlay (EDAC) Tara Findlay (Mourne Runners)

450th Nuala Taylor (EDAC) Dessie McGarry (Down Tri Club)

485th Janine Murray (EDAC) Oonagh Breteche

541th Patrick Smith (EDAC) Sean McLaughlin (Tels Fitness)

575th Roisin Gaffney (EDAC) Suzy Smith (EDAC)

612th Helen McGinley (EDAC) Mary Walsh (Crossfit Infected)