Unfortunately Race 3 in Kilbroney on Sunday has had to be postponed as Newry and Mourne District Council have cancelled all events due to the condition of the park caused by the recent heavy rain.

Race 2 Results

Huge numbers brave the elements in Tollymore
by The Non Runner

We returned to the beautiful surroundings of Tollymore Forest Park for Race 2 of the 14/15 series. The forecast was atrocious but our plucky runners and their families aren’t just fair weather runners, 158 junior athletes turned out to race for their respective clubs. The barn was out of action for our registration and we needed a space where would could erect the tables in manner which would ensure the race numbers wouldn’t fly off into the air. Only people of a certain vintage (myself included) will remember when the café in Tollymore was actually in use. This was where we set up the registration area, thanks to our friend from East Down, Frank Cunningham, who had the bright idea to use the shelter of the café exterior. Continue reading →

Race 1 Results
Race 1 Photos

Record Turnout for Our First Race
by The Non-runner, who’s going to take up running, for surely it’s easier than this.

A dry and pleasant day awaited our runners and their families at the “Figure 8’ in Castlewellan Forest Park on Sunday 14th September. The forecast was pleasant and the race conditions were as close to perfect as they come. A record number of junior athletes participated in the first race of our ever popular junior cross country series. This year saw 158 junior runners compete for their clubs and it was a warm welcome from the host club Newcastle AC to juniors from East Down AC, Burren AC, Dromore AC and 3 Ways AC (Newry). The registration tables were set up, coaches were ready and the course was marked out, our 2014/15 series was underway! Continue reading →

Junior Race 3 Results and Photos by Alison Carroll

Race 3 of Toscano Junior Hill and Dale took place on Hen Mountain on 12th June

Report by The Non-Runner

Another beautiful sunny evening awaited our junior runners from the post-primary schools.  While the seniors have not finished their series yet, our brave post-primary runners rounded off our very successful junior series with their third and final race.  This saw a much reduced field of 13 runners compete in a race to the top of Hen and back.  Each and every runner got a medal for competing the race, and rightly so.   Even though it was just one mile in distance, it gives our junior runners a taste of open mountain running.  Continue reading →

NI & Ulster U9-U13 Track & Field Championships, Sunday 1st June 2014, Shercock, Co Cavan
by The Non-Runner
photos by Graham McCauley’s Camera – HERE. More photos taken by Declan Rice now added.
Full Results (NAC results at bottom of report)

On Sunday 1st June 2014 24 Junior NAC athletes, coaches and their families journeyed to Shercock in Co Cavan for the NI and Ulster Junior Track and Field Championships. This was our second time visiting Shercock track for this annual event. NAC Juniors Supporter’s club set up base camp at our usual position at the finish line. Camp chairs were put up and picnics arranged. This year we had a reading corner (Megan) and some arts and crafts later in the afternoon (loom bands, if you don’t know what they are, ask the nearest child). The weather forecast was pretty grim and the dark clouds were apparent. We had come prepared with big umbrellas, welly boots, raincoats and of course, sunscreen! It has been pointed out to me, very nicely, that sometimes my reports contain too much of the craic and not enough about the actual races. I shall now put my best reporter’s hat of sensibleness on and proceed without further ado. Continue reading →

Primary School Race 2 Results
Post Primary Race 2 Results
Photos by Declan Rice

By The Non-Runner, on her bestest behaviour.

Race 2 was organised by The McCrickards, and with usual form from his reputation for fair weather at the Junior XC, PJ had arranged another sunny evening. We are delighted to have had 75 enthusiastic junior runners in the latest race in the Toscano Junior Hill and Dale races. We saw many of the junior runners who competed last week in Castlewellan return to tackle the infamous Tollymore Monument start and Green Rig finish, emulating their senior counterparts. The registration team were delighted to see some familiar visitors registering for the races. It was great to see juniors from 3 Ways (Newry), Burren AC, Dromore AC and East Down AC. Continue reading →