THE 2026 NIMRA Championship got underway on Saturday with the traditional opener at Slieve Gullion, hosted by Armagh AC.
The race covers approximately four miles with 340m of climbing, taking runners on a challenging ascent to the iconic Slieve Gullion summit cairn before returning along the same route.
Runners were treated to bright sunshine for the race, although there was still a dusting of snow on the summit, reminding competitors of the mountain conditions underfoot.
A strong contingent from Newcastle and District AC lined up for the opening championship race.
Club chairman Deon McNeilly was at the summit to cheer on club members as they reached the cairn before beginning the fast descent back to the finish.
The club recorded several excellent performances, with Ethan McMullan leading the team home in eighth place in a time of 32:35.
Ashley Crutchley and David Hicks also secured top-ten finishes in ninth and tenth place respectively.
There were also category successes for Newcastle, with Sam McNeilly finishing as fourth female overall and winning the FV35 category, while Dominic McGreevy claimed victory in the MV65 category.
Newcastle AC would like to thank Armagh AC, the race organisers and the many volunteers and marshals who delivered an excellent event, and even arranged the sunshine for the runners.
Newcastle and District AC results 8th – Ethan McMullan – 32:35.
9th – Ashley Crutchley – 32:45.
10th – David Hicks – 32:46.
14th – Gary McEvoy – 34:21.
43rd – Pete Grant – 38:59.
54th – Pearse Brogan – 40:30.
58th – Sam McNeilly – 40:49.
64th – Dominic McGreevy – 41:17.
77th – Bryan Ross – 44:33.
