In its 14th Year, the Mc Grady Financial Services, Junior Cross Country Series continues to be at the heart of the Junior Cross Country Calendar every year. 

A first step for many young Junior athletes, it builds up confidence, familiarises participants with race events in smaller numbers with still the same excitement of the bigger events and most importantly makes lasting memories and friendships for all young people involved. 

This Junior Cross Country Series is also been fondly looked upon by those participants who have gone on to win Ulster and All Ireland Cross Country Championships and even represented Ireland in various events. Many of the current participants this year have represented their schools and clubs, not just in Cross Country but in Track and Field and Mountain Running competitions.  With their journeys beginning as Primary Aged athletes on a Sunday running around Delamont or Tollymore for their race. This experience has laid the foundations for a love for athletics and unlocking talent which may never have been discovered.  

What stands out about this series is that in addition to the overall podium prizes at the end of the series, if you complete 3 of the 4 races, athletes get a bespoke finishers medal to celebrate their dedication and resilience to complete the series. There are also club prizes to be won. 

Currently there are four clubs who are involved in the series. Each club hosts an event with a Core Team of representatives from those clubs working together to oversee the series, taking the participants to some of the most scenic and infamous local cross country routes. 

In order to take part in the series you have to be a member of either of the 4 clubs involved, Dromore AC, East Down AC, Murlough AC or Newcastle AC.  The series is open to welcoming another club and please get in contact if your club would like to become involved. 

The series will return in Autumn 2024 for its 15th year.