For many, New Year’s Day means pyjamas, leftovers and maybe a slow walk to clear the head. For others, it means something far tougher: the legendary Race Over the Glen in Glenariff Forest Park. On Thursday the 1st of January 2026 at noon, Ballymena Runners will mark the 30th anniversary of this iconic trail challenge, and if you’re looking for a serious start to next year, this is it.
With the Castlewellan Christmas Cracker selling out in just 12 hours on Monday, this is the perfect alternative Chritmas/New Year period race. It has everything you’d want: a tough course and a special anniversary edition with a long sleeved technical T-shirt to celebrate three decades of mud, sweat and New Year’s graft.
Entries
Entries have been open since Sunday the 14th of September via SiEntries and will remain open until December 25th. There’s no entry on the day, so don’t leave it too late.
Two entry types are available:
- Standard Entry (affiliated £27.50 / non affiliated £30.00) – includes medal, chip timing, and the 30th anniversary long sleeved technical tee.
- Green Entry (affiliated £20.00 / non affiliated £22.50) – includes medal and chip timing.
Numbers are capped, so the advice is simple: enter early.
The course
Race Over the Glen is a 10km technical trail through the heart of Glenariff Forest Park. It’s scenic, yes, but it’s also demanding, with climbs, twists, and terrain that demands your focus. Organisers recommend entrants are already comfortable running 10km on the road and confident on technical ground.
This is not a “walk it on the day” type of event, it’s a race that rewards preparation and punishes complacency. But for those ready to test themselves, it’s one of the most rewarding ways to kick off the year.
Prizes
There’s over £1,000 in the prize pot, with cash awards for the top three men and women, age category winners (£30 each across multiple age bands), team prizes, and junior prizes. It’s a true club runner’s race, competitive, but inclusive.
Logistics
- Pre race pack collection: Ballymena Bowling Club on 28 December, 12:00–16:00.
- Race day pack collection: Glenariff Visitor Centre, 09:30 -11:45.
- Parking: Limited at Glenariff Forest Park, prioritised for car sharers. Extra spaces available at Parkmore Forest “Touring in the Trees,” plus Ballymena Park & Ride, ECOS Park and Ballymena Leisure Centre. Car park marshals will direct you.
Extras
A marquee will host prize giving and light refreshments afterwards. Exclusive event merchandise (hoodies, quarter zips, anniversary long sleeve tops) can be pre ordered before November 17th, with limited stock available on the day.
Why run it?
- It’s the 30th anniversary of one of Ulster’s most famous trail races.
- The course is challenging but unforgettable.
- The atmosphere is electric, New Year’s Day in the Glens is something special.
- It’s a brilliant way to start the year on the right foot (literally).
So if you missed out on Castlewellan, or you simply want to earn your New Year’s feast, make sure you enter early. Glenariff is calling.
Image: Ballymena Runners