On a perfect day for multiterrain racing, a large field of runners made a circuitous route into Castlewellan Forest Park and were treated to the soft surfaces and scenic views of this trail runner's paradise.  Gently undulating to say the least, with a long descent back to lake level and a flat run up the drive towards the main entrance gate to the finish. 
At the finish some folk will have been singing the lyrics to Perfect Day... 'I'm glad I spent it with you' and others won't, that'd be the joy of a pairs race.  Having met my other half the day before at the Turkey Trot fell race, I landed on my feet as I prefer the uphills and with Jonny taking the lead on the descents we helped each other round with yesterday's mountain still in our legs.
Andrew Christy and Russell White were never out of the top 3 and finished a superb 3rd (1st juniors) in a very competitive field.

3rd Andrew Christy and Russell White
4th David Simpson and Jonny Steede
27th John and Myles Christy

Provisional results can be viewed here
http://www.newcastleac.org/

Happy New Year to you all!