On Saturday afternoon saw the running of the oldest mountain race in Ireland, 78 years ago locals in Newcastle wanted to see who was quickest at going from sea level to the top of Slieve Donard and back down again. The early mist and cloud that engulfed Donard all morning burned away just in time for the start, and the sun made conditions good but a bit warm. After a race brief from Deon McNeilly the 168 runners were off from Donard park following the Glen river up to the saddle. EDACs mountain man Niall Gibney was the only club member to take on the challenge, knowing the mountain well he paced a great race, after reaching the summit Niall made the descent via the quarry and though the Donard forest to the finish line in Donard Park to finish in 33rd position in a new PB 1hr 8mins, great running from Niall.

Last Friday Aaron McGrady went down south to Limerick for the Irish World Uphill Trials, the race set in the Seefin mountains is an uphill race, covering 2.32 mile race with 1058 ft of elevation, so 2 and half miles uphill flat out. Aaron enjoyed the challenge and came in first with a new course record of 17min 19sec, a great achievement by Aaron who will be looking to add to this effort in the future on the International stage.

Hill and Dale race 3 saw the four Amigos make their way to Kilbroney Park for the 3rd race in the Hill and Dale series. This is the first race the runners take on the open mountain. The race starts with a steep ascent up to Slievemeen and on to Slievemartin and then a turn at the top down a very steep descent to the finish. Niall Gibney was the first runner home in 35th position followed not far behind in 40th by James Cuffey who seems to be getting into the swing of the Hill and Dale. John Talyor came in 124th position a stalwart for EDAC at the Hill and Dales and Paddy Mcdonald who seems to prefer the hills and trails came in 177th position, next race is Binnian, which is all up Hill.