Slieve Martin

The Slieve Martin hill race is a competitive mountain running event scheduled for Thursday, April 30, 2026, in Rostrevor, Northern Ireland. As a key fixture in the popular Hill and Dale Series organized by Newcastle AC, the race challenges athletes with a steep ascent through the wooded trails and open mountainside of the Mourne Mountains. The event is known for its rigorous safety standards and community-focused post-race atmosphere, concluding with a traditional awards presentation at the Cloughmór Inn.

Slieve Martin is a prominent peak rising above Carlingford Lough, situated within the Kilbroney Forest Park. Geographically, the race transitions from the sheltered, mature forest tracks of the lower park to the exposed heather and granite slopes of the summit ridge. At an elevation of 485 meters, Slieve Martin offers panoramic views across the lough toward the Cooley Mountains in the Republic of Ireland. In late April, the climate in County Down is often unpredictable; evening temperatures average around 10°C (50°F), but wind chill on the summit can be significantly lower. Due to these maritime mountain conditions, organizers strictly mandate that all runners carry full body cover, with disqualifications enforced for those failing kit checks at the finish line.

Logistically, the event is managed via the SiEntries system, with online registration remaining open until the day before the race. On-site registration and bib collection take place at Kilbroney Park between 6:30 PM and 7:15 PM. Participants are specifically instructed to attach their race numbers to their chests rather than their shorts to facilitate efficient scanning. The route is only partially marked, requiring runners to possess basic mountain navigation awareness. Following the race, the official presentation of results and prizes occurs at 9:30 PM at the Cloughmór Inn, maintaining the social heritage of the Hill and Dale circuit. Any further inquiries can be directed to the Newcastle AC organizing team via their official website.