Cairncastle Classic
| Author | Date | Message |
|---|---|---|
| Mike Jordan | May 30 2023, 8:23am | A few of us are heading up to Antrim glens for the long weekend and hope to take in the Cairncastle Classic Fell Race. https://www.sientries.co.uk/event.php?elid=Y&event_id=11669 There are marked and unmarked sections to the course and I'm wondering if anyone has any knowledge of the route? Does it match up well with this map or are there better lines to be had? https://www.plotaroute.com/route/1038284 Thanks in advance :) |
| Elizabeth Wheeler | May 30 2023, 9:52am | Hey Mike, I am delighted you are heading up to the race. It is one of my favourite races on the NIMRA calendar. A classic 10mile fell race in a beautiful place. The race starts on road then turns right onto a farm lane which then opens out through two fields and up a very steep bray. At the top you are on open farmland following a small animal trail down a steep ravine and then up another farm track. It is all easily navigated. You run an out and back section before continuing northwards on a draggy uphill grassy route to the summit before then dropping down a steep bray to more farm tracks and onto the road home. It was flagged coming off the summit as there is some very steep ground which is best avoided. There was one marshall at the top and again at the bottom directing you onto a farm track which you follow towards the sea. There are marshalls at the road crossings too. You will not get lost. The whole course is well marshalled and there are usually plenty of spectators out, especially if the weather is good, which I think it will be. The only place where I think that you might pick up some time is on the first very steep bray climb - some people go straight up or some take a zig zag farm track to the left - just go straight up. Otherwise it is not a technical course, so you can go like the clappers. Cracking race and bring a towel for a dip in the sea afterwards. Enjoy the beautiful Glens of Antrim |
| Mike Jordan | May 30 2023, 11:11am | Thanks a million Elizabeth. Looking forward to the race! |
| Joseph Boyle | May 30 2023, 12:35pm | Mike, I did this in 2021 when there was a lockdown here, there was a guy Stephen Reid that's on YouTube who posted a video of the race that day. I've attached a link that should work, https://youtu.be/i0GNUnovdQg , I could get you a GPX if you need one, but there's not much in the way of route option. |
| Mike Jordan | May 30 2023, 3:01pm | Thanks for the info Jody, much appreciated. |
