Slieve Donard Race

Newcastle Entertainment Committee-Perpetual Challenge Sheild Presented
by Gerald F. Annesley Esq Slieve Donard Mountain Climb

Friday 4th July 2008 at 7 pm

About the Race

The Slieve Donard Mountain race is the oldest recorded mountain race in Ireland, this year being the 63rd race. The first race was held in 1945, with 30 different runners over the years. The original 1945 race route started at the Newcastle Centre to the summit and back. At some point possibly in 50's or 60's the route changed, still starting and finishing at Newcastle Centre with free route choice to the summit but the descent via The Bloody Bridge, which then included a 2 miles road run back to Newcastle Centre

In 1998 the decision was taken, for safety reasons, to revert to the original up and down route starting at the Newcastle Centre and finishing in Donard Park with free route choice to summit and back

However, 2002 saw another route change with finish back at the Newcastle Centre to allow more spectators to enjoy the event.

For many years Mike Short held the record with his 1977 run via the Bloody Bridge in 1hr 4 minutes 14 seconds. The 2000 race counted in the British Championship and was won bt Ian Holmes in 50 minutes 10 seconds. This was the fastest ever up and down but the finish was in Donard Park. Since the route has been extended back to the Newcastle Centre, Scottish runner, John Brooks holds the current record with 53:34. However, adding 2 minutes 30 seconds to Ian Holmes' time for the run from Donard Park to the Newcastle Centre would give him a time of 53 minutes and the outright record.

Race Times Since 1945

Prizes