Annalong Horseshoe 2026

Long course (NIMRA Championship)

20km / 2000m ascent

The race will follow the same route as per Annalong Horseshoe of the last few years, starting at the top of the Carricklittle track, inside the gate and will visit Chimney Rock, Donard, Commedagh (TOWER south side not summit), Cove, Lamagan, Binnian (North tor) with the finish at the Carricklittle entrance to the race venue. Competitors must visit all of the checkpoints in the correct order, with the route between checkpoints being at the runners’ discretion.

This is an arduous mountain race on open mountains and entrants should have the necessary required fitness levels and experience before submitting an entry. In bad weather and/or poor visibility navigation skills and experience is an essential requirement for all entrants. This is not a suitable race for novices or new entrants to the sport of mountain running. The race organisers reserve the right to refuse a starting place to anybody whom they deem to not have the requisite experience and/or fitness or to be adequately equipped. The minimum entry age is 18 on the day.

Short course (NIMRA League)

9km / 500m ascent

This year, BARF have added a shorter race route which is part of the new NIMRA League. A less arduous, and easier to navigate variation of the Annalong Horseshoe, intended to be more accessible to new hill runners and those not wishing to complete a long race. The route starts at the top of the Carricklittle track, and follows that track to the path junction at Binnian/Lamagan col, then visits a checkpoint at Binnian North Tor before returning to the finish at the carpark on Carricklittle track. Competitors must visit all of the checkpoints in the correct order, with the route between checkpoints being at the runners’ discretion.

Although less arduous than the longer race, this is still a race across rough mountain terrain and entrants should have the necessary required fitness levels and experience before submitting an entry. In bad weather and/or poor visibility navigation skills and experience is an essential requirement for all entrants. The minimum entry age is 18 on the day.

Course checkpoints

Notes on course

• Championship: Annalong Wood is out of bounds.
• Championship: there is a strict cut-off of 13:45 at the Saddle between Donard and Commedagh. Any runner missing the cut-off must follow instructions from the marshals and proceed to the finish along the Annalong Valley.
• Championship: the route from Donard to Commedagh MUST be to the South of the wall. Anyone seen to the North will be disqualified.
• Championship: The Commedagh control will be at the south side of the tower (not at the summit cairn.)
• Championship: The Lamagan-Binnian col control is not required. However, if your route passes near it, please punch at it.

Registration

Registration will be available from 09:45 to 10:30 in Race Control which is located at Carrick Little Top Car Park (Grid Ref 345226). Please bring Full race kit with you to registration as there will be a Gear Check before you can register. The League course will have the same kit requirement of the Championship course.

Parking

There is parking for the first 50 cars with a fee of £3 per car (please bring correct change). There will be a payment tin at race control. There are other car parks further down the track. Please car share where possible. All vehicles are parked at their owner's risk.

Other Notes

• This race will be run under Athletics NI rules. The minimum safety kit to be carried will be as described on the FRA website. Click here for further information: Fellrunner.org.uk/FRA-Requirements
• Kit: Waterproof whole body cover (with taped seams and integrated attached hood), hat, gloves, map of the course, compass, whistle, thermal (foil) blanket and emergency food.
• Coronavirus: NI Government advice
• Withdrawals - are allowed up to the closing date and will be refunded the entry fee minus £3 to cover costs. Notify us via the email address above.
• Event cancellation - If we have to cancel the event for whatever reason we will refund the entry fee minus £3 to cover costs.