Photos by Paul Fegan

Race Report by The Head Chef

We have recently teamed up with Club Force to provide you all with the most up-to-date communications system on the market.

We would ask you all to follow the steps below to download the Mobile App for your smartphone.

1. Follow this link from any smartphone http://member.clubforce.com/mcfapp.asp
2. Open the Club Force App and click ‘Forgot Password’. A Reset Password link will be sent to your email address.
3. Follow the instructions on the email to change your password and then login.
4. Search/Find Club – Newcastle Athletic Club
5. Add this club to your Favourites. This will ensure you receive all notifications for the Club.

We know in the past many of you had issues receiving club emails, so this new system will rectify this issue.

YOU DO NOT NEED TO FILL IN ANOTHER MEMBERSHIP FORM. 

Please use the same email address that you have used to sign up as a member previously! If this has changed, let us know by emailing info@newcastleac.org

Once you have downloaded the App, please press the Club Force Logo in the Top Left Corner and then press “Account History”. You should see all your active memberships there. If you don’t see them there, please let us know.

If you have any questions or need any support, please email info@newcastleac.org

M. B. McGrady & Co Chartered Accountants is setting the pace this September with the launch of Co. Down’s first ‘Beer and Bubbles 5km’ run in a bid to raise money for its charity partner, Air Ambulance NI. Open to competitors of all ages and experiences, the race will take place on Thursday 12th September, at Finnebrogue Woods, Downpatrick. The first 5km race to take place at the idyllic venue, the route will take in the stunning woodland and finish close to the lakeside, where you will be able to soak up the atmosphere while enjoying a glass of local beer or prosecco. The race starts at 6.30pm, with registration open from 5.30pm. So, what are you waiting for? Get your running shoes laced up. To register, visit: www.mbmcgrady.eventbrite.co.uk

To Newcastle AC and surrounding Running clubs that have messaged and gave support to me and my family at the passing of my brother Kieran, I’d like to thank you all very much. Kieran loved to watch the Hill & Dales along with my family. It inspired him to try his own challenge, near exactly 6 months to the day he died at 39 years old. Kieran achieved Kilimanjaro struggling with anxiety, depression and not knowing he had an illness along with it. I hope what Kieran achieved with all his worries will give people courage to achieve their goals. Thank you all, Stephen McNally.

By the Head Chef

Friday evening saw the annual Born 2 Run Sea 2 Sky 5k and 10k races in Newcastle with numerous Newcastle AC members taking part. With the 10k starting opposite O’Hares Bar and Lounges and the 5k starting in Donard Forest the competitors were forced toendure some inclement weather. As the thunder roared and the lightening struck both races started simultaneously at 7.32pm.

Russell shines

Sean Russel (left) leads the 10k chasing pack

As the race passed the Avoca Hotel, Resort and Spa a group of Newcastle athletes had already formed a chasing pack of overall 10k winner, mourneman Gordy Graham (East Down AC) who finished in an impressive 36.19. These included Sean Russell, James King, the veteran Connaire McVeigh and Jonny Crutchley. Sean took the the acclaim of first Newcastle AC runner to finish an impressive 3rd overall in 38.22. James (4th overall in 38.25), Connaire (5th overall in 38.28) and Jonny (9th overall in 38.53) all worked hard together throughout the race.

The MoM of the race award had to be awarded to James King with his 4th place finish. James has been putting in the hard yards of late and claims his recent weekend runs around the Brontelands, Backaderry and Dollies Brae have stood him in good stead. When asked for comment coach Higgins was not prepared to get into too much detail; however he did confirm he would be treating James to a large Brennan’s ice cream on Sunday morning following his impressive Sea2Sky performance. Continue reading →

They did it…. some people would say “just!”, with a combination of perfect weather and a fantastic support crew, they had it nearly as easy as Stevie, Mark and Dominic 2 years previously!

One could be forgiven for wondering what all the fuss was, about this Bob Graham Round carry on!?!

Leg 1

11 weeks ago, the 3 day recce of the route had taught one key point – PACING, i.e. – keep leg one easy.

Declan and Phil got a little carried away with the pacing, as walking up Skiddaw in the glorious evening sun over Keswick, they went 12 mins over schedule. Continue reading →