Niall and John in Turkey Trot

Niall and John in Turkey Trot

10 January 2024

THE Turkey Trot hosted by BARF is a long running Boxing Day calorie burn-out, open to all hill runners over 18 years old. 

The course is essentially a clockwise circuit of Slieve Meelmore, 7.5K in length with a height gain of 400 metres. 

The race starts near Meelmore lodge, following the tracks up to below Spellack cliffs then on to Slieve Bearnagh and Meelmore before crossing to Slieve Meelbeg. 

Finally, there is a fast descent of Happy Valley to the finish at Meelmore Lodge. 

East Down AC had two runners in this tough race, Niall Gibney and John Taylor, who are both old hands at the mountain races. With good conditions Niall was the first past the post in 22nd position in a time of 48:45, while John crossed the line in 72nd spot in 58:35. Great running from both of the guys.

Castlewellan Christmas Cracker

Recently, the annual running of one of the most popular team races in Northern Ireland took place, Newcastle AC’s Christmas Cracker. 

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 ushered the runners to the start line. 

This race is a big favourite with East Down AC and the club had ten members in team 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 had a great atmosphere and support around 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 AC athletes.

EDAC runners/partners results: 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) Eugene 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 (Tel’s Fitness); 575th Roisin Gaffney (EDAC) Suzy Smith (EDAC); 612th Helen McGinley (EDAC) Mary Walsh (Crossfit Infected).