| Race Detail | Statistic / Requirement |
|---|---|
| Distance | 8 km |
| Total Climb | 300 m |
| Start Time | 07:30 PM |
| Mandatory Kit | Full body cover (waterproof/windproof) |
Castlewellan is a historic village in County Down with a population of approximately 4,700 residents. The area is renowned for its Victorian castle and its arboretum, which contains one of the most significant collections of trees in Ireland. The demographic of the local Newry, Mourne and Down district is diverse, with approximately 90% of the population identifying as White and a growing international community. The median annual household income for the region is roughly £28,500. Geographically, the race route circles the lake and climbs the wooded slopes overlooking the town, offering views of the Mourne Mountains. The climate in mid-April is typically damp and cool; average temperatures range from a low of 5°C (41°F) to a high of 13°C (55°F). Because the race takes place at dusk, temperatures can drop rapidly, necessitating the strict enforcement of the full-body cover rule.
Registration for the race remains open until Wednesday, April 15, or until the participant cap is reached—302 athletes have already signed up. Following the race, the official awards presentation is held at 9:30 PM at Maginn’s in the village center, fostering a strong social culture among the local running clubs. Runners are strictly reminded to attach their race numbers to their chests rather than their shorts to facilitate digital scanning. For further information or specific queries regarding the marked course, participants can contact Newcastle AC via email at [email protected]. The event kicks off a 10-race series that continues through June across the various peaks of the Mourne region.
Apr 16, 2026
Distance — 8K
Type — Running
19:30
£14.00
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for April in Castlewellan Forest Park.
Learn more about the host city, Castlewellan Forest Park.
Castlewellan Forest Park is located in the town of Castlewellan in County Down, Northern Ireland.
Read more launchWatch highlights and course previews from previous years.
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location_on Thornthwaite, Scotland, GB
calendar_today May 10, 2026
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