CONQUER THE WILDS OF CONNEMARA

UNIQUE ACCESS TO UNMARKED MOUNTAINS WITH 3 DISTANCES

Special access has been granted to this stunning route by local landowners making it an amazing opportunity for mountain running

1. 22KM EXPERT MOUNTAIN RUN

2. 12KM INTERMEDIATE MOUNTAIN RUN

Challenging terrain throughout with steep ascents and descents. Before entering either of these two races we recommend you read our Entry Requirements.

3. 12KM INTRODUCTORY MOUNTAIN/TRAIL RUN

For those who are new to mountain running and are looking for an introductory event. You will need a reasonable level of fitness.

THE COURSE

THE 22KM EXPERT MOUNTAIN RUN

BRIEF COURSE DESCRIPTION

STAGE 1:

The route starts from Killary Adventure Centre and heads across the bog until it joins the Western Way walking trail. This brings you onto a forestry road and on to your first ascent of the route. You will stay close to a marked fence as you ascend.

STAGE 2:

This first hill is 324 metres and you will keep the fence within 10m of you as you climb up the hill. Once you reach the top there is a slow, gentle descent along the soft ground at the top. You will continue along to a left turn at the end of the valley – a distance of approximately 2 km from the top of the hill.

STAGE 3:

The route descends for the first part before climbing from approximately 800 feet up to 1800 feet.  This is a steep climb on grassy hills which can be slippy when wet. Next you will continue along to spot height 556 metres.
This section of the run is quite boggy and visibility up here can change quite quickly.  Performing a U turn you will head out along the edge of the valley before going downhill into Leenane.  This is a good descent if you are happy on bog and slippy ground, if not take your time!

STAGE 4:

Reaching the back of Leenane you will come out into a private road and then follow this down to the main road.  You will encounter a dangerous corner so be aware of traffic. This road section will be about 600m and before joining the rough Western Way track. Continue along this until you reach the arrow pointing you up your last hill.

STAGE 5:

The last hill will be marked again with bamboos holding ribbons which you must stay within 10m of as this is the safest route. You continue to the summit cairn.
For your descent is quite tricky underfoot so please be aware of conditions and your skill level in descending.  You are aiming for the Western Way again and the path from earlier returning you to Killary Adventure Centre and the finish line. 22km and 4500ft of ascent done and dusted.

**Please make sure you are aware of the Mandatory Kit List which is extremely important for all distances of the Mountain Run.

THE 12KM INTERMEDIATE MOUNTAIN RUN

BRIEF COURSE DESCRIPTION

STAGE 1:

The route starts from the back of Killary Adventure Centre and heads across the bog until it joins the Western Way walking trail. This brings you into forestry. You continue along a slightly overgrown road to the bottom of the mountain. Starting up the hill you will follow the fence which is marked with red ribbons.

STAGE 2:

This first hill is 324m and you will keep the fence within 10m of you. Once you reach the top there is a nice gentle descent across the soft ground at the top.
You will continue along to a left turn at the end of valley – approximately 2 km from the top of the hill.

STAGE 3:

The route descends for the first part before climbing from approximately 800 feet up to 1800 feet.  This is a steep climb on grassy hills which can be slippy when wet. At the end of the climb you will continue to follow fencing out and around the top end of the horseshoe. Be aware that it is quite boggy here in sections but you need to maintain sight of the fence.

STAGE 4:

Climbing to the last spot height at 550 feet, it is all downhill from there.  The descent is along the fence line and with the 22km race rejoining your route there will be people coming past. Take care on descent as it is grass and bog. You will rejoin the Western Way back to Killary Adventure Centre.

THE 12KM INTRODUCTORY MOUNTAIN RUN

BRIEF COURSE DESCRIPTION

The course follows the same route as Stage 1 of the 12km Intermediate Mountain Run.

STAGE 2:

This first hill is 324m and you will keep the fence to your left and within 10m. Once you reach the top there is a nice gentle descent across the soft ground at the top.

Here is where you leave the other runners behind as you head down hill.  This ground is usually quite soft with slippery conditions underfoot.  As you get closer to the bottom you will start to follow a river.

You are now on the homeward stretch having reached the forest road. You continue along to the river crossing, where depending on the amount of water you might have to use the bridge. Once past here you take a bog road to meet the tarmaced road before running a further 500m on main road to finish in Killary Adventure Centre.

PRICING & INFO