Castlewellan

The Castlewellan 2026 is a fast-paced mountain and forest race held on Thursday, April 16, 2026, in Castlewellan Forest Park, Northern Ireland. This event serves as the season opener for the prestigious "Hill and Dale" series organized by Newcastle AC. Unlike the more technical mountain climbs later in the series, the Castlewellan route primarily utilizes forest paths, offering a challenging but runnable introduction to hill racing.

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.