Wicklow Mountains Challenge
March 5, 2017
| EUR80The Challenge
Are you ready to test your fitness by running through the rocky terrain and hills of the Wicklow Mountains? You’ve come to the right place! Sign up for the Wicklow Mountains Challenge and prove to yourself you can do it while also raising much needed funds for people living with EB.
The Routes
The event comprises of a half marathon or a 10km with participants enjoying some of Ireland’s most stunning scenery as they run through mountains, bogs and rivers. Starting high on the Wicklow Gap you will run into Glendalough Valley passing old mining works along the route. A short climb onto the Brockagh Mountain with a fantastic view of the Glendalough Valley and then onto the finish line.
The Cause
By taking part in the DEBRA Ireland Wicklow Mountains Challenge, not only are you taking on a tough mountain race, you are also part of a team of 800 runners who are raising money for families living with EB. EB is rare, which means it gets very little government funding so your support is vital. Every participant is helping to change the lives of EB families.
Half Marathon
From the starting line a nice warm up climb brings us on to a descent to where we pick up the Saint Kevin’s Way. This is the start of a long climb along forest footpaths to the highest point of the route: the Wicklow Gap. From here we follow old mining tracks and a short section of road to reach the valley floor at Glendalough. This gives us some respite before the famous sting in the tail as we tackle the tough climb through the forests on Brockagh Mountain. A gentle trail then leads us to the finish line.
Elevation:
21km: 600m climb
- Distance: 21km.
- Registration time: 9.00am – 10.00am. Coach pick up from Brockagh Centre to starting point at 10.00am. (Race starts at 10.30am).
- Registration Point: Brockagh Resource Centre – Glendalough (Bus from here to start of route – included in registration).
- Finish Point: Brockagh Resource Centre.
- Registration cost: €80.
- Fundraising: This is a charity event and funds raised ensure that our patient support services can continue for all our EB families. DEBRA Ireland is a lifeline for all those living with EB – so any additional funds you can raise will make a huge difference to their lives.
- Included in registration: Bus transfer from registration point at Brockagh Centre to race start, race medal, chip timing, all usual race support along the route, refreshments and post race tea and coffee.
Entry/Registration Link
11km
A tough route this for the 11km option. A short gentle climb leads to a harder climb to the summit of Trooperstown Mountain. The effort will be rewarded with a beautiful vista off the Wicklow Mountains. A steep descent bring you down into Trooperstown Forest and across the Avonmore River from where the next, but easier, climb starts. This climb brings us onto Paddock Hill before picking up the Wicklow Way and finishing at Brockagh Forest.
The route will be on very mixed ground, some forest track, some road and a lot of small rough mountain trails. It will be marked by finger boards, flags and existing signs.
Elevation:
11km: 540m climb
- Distance: 11km.
- Registration time: 10.30am – 11.30am.
- Registration Point: Laragh GAA Club.
- Start Time: 11.30am. (Starting point also Laragh GAA Club)
- Finish Point: Brockagh Resource Centre.
- Registration cost: €80.
- Fundraising: This is a charity event and funds raised ensure that our patient support services can continue for all our EB families. DEBRA Ireland is a lifeline for all those living with EB – so any additional funds you can raise will make a huge difference to their lives.
- Included in registration: All usual race support along the route, race medal, chip timing, refreshments and post race tea and coffee.
Entry/Registration Link
FAQ’s
Can I buy an entry for a friend?
Only one entry per person please. Race number will be assigned and posted to details provided on registration. Please ensure your correct details are given as any lost / incorrectly assigned race numbers will incur a €5 fee.
Why no deposit option this year?
In previous years 33% of people who only paid the deposit did not turn up on the day. That means the deposit only covered our costs of running the event (chip timer, mountain guides, bus transfers, insurance and refreshments all have to be paid by us regardless of numbers). As this is a charity event, we can’t risk losing 33% of our income due to no shows.
How do I get my number and chip?
Your number and timing chip will be posted out to you in advance of race day.
What does my registration fee include?
– the race, including all the usual race support along the route.
– chip timing.
– bus transfer from Brockagh Centre to race start (Half Marathon).
– water stations along the route.
– medical personnel at finish line.
– race medal.
– post race refreshments.
– the satisfaction of finishing a tough mountain challenge.
– the knowledge that you have raised much needed funds for patients with EB.
Is it possible to get a refund of the entry fee?
Unfortunately, we cannot refund your entry fee. We have to cover the costs of running the event (chip timer, mountain guides, bus transfers, insurance and refreshments all have to be paid by us regardless of numbers participating). As this is a charity event, we also rely on the event to fund our patients support services.
Can I swap race distances?
Yes, but we can’t guarantee you will get a spot on your preferred distance. If spots are available you can switch distances up to Friday 20th January 2017. Please email us at wicklowchallenge@debraireland.org to see if we can accommodate your request.
Can I transfer my entry to a friend?
Yes, you can as long as you notify us before Friday 20th January 2017. Please email us wicklowchallenge@debraireland.org to let us know so we can transfer your entry to them. We will need all their details as race number will be assigned and posted to details provided on registration.
Can I defer my entry until next year?
Yes, you can as long as you notify us before Friday 20th January 2017. Please email us at wicklowchallenge@debraireland.org to let us know so we can transfer your entry to 2018. If you can’t run in 2018 you will forfeit your place and entry fee. There is a charge of €5 for this.
What time do the races start?
Half Marathon registration
Open from 9.00 – 10.00am. Race starts at 10.30am (Coach pick up from Brockagh Centre to starting point at 10.00am).
11km registration
Open 10.30 – 11.30 am at Laragh GAA Club. Race starts at 11.30am (start line is also at Laragh GAA Club).
NOTE: races have different starting points (see above) but both finish just behind Brockagh Centre.
What do I need to bring with me?
First and foremost, don’t forget your race number – your timing chip is attached to it. If you lose your race number before the race there will be a fee of €5 for a new one.
You should bring some pre-race clothes as you will be at the registration area for at least one hour before the race start. Please make sure to bring a water bottle with you as there will be tap refills only at the registration.
What kind of gear should I wear?
You must have a windproof jacket with you on the route.
We strongly advise against wearing headphones on the route.
We recommend trail runners seeing as parts of the race are off track and can be muddy.
Where can I leave my gear?
11km – We advise you to leave your belongings in your car – car park is situated right next to start line in Laragh GAA Club. The finish line is at Brockagh Centre which is a ten minute walk from Laragh GAA Club.
21km – You can leave your belongings in the Brockagh Centre, however please note we cannot take responsibility for any items as we cannot supervise at all times.
Are there showers?
There are no showers at Laragh GAA Club. However, there are two showers at the Brockagh Centre (finish line for both races).
I’ve signed up and haven’t received my number yet?
Please let us know by contacting wicklowchallenge@debraireland.org / 01 412 6924. Still arrive for the race on Sunday as normal and we will give you a new race number.
Are there kilometre markers?
Yes there are two kilometre markers along both routes.
11km route – ‘6km to go’ and ‘3km to go’ markers.
21km – ’11km to go’ and ‘4km to go’ markers.
Where are the water stations?
There are two water stations along the 21km route and one along the 11km. As alot of the race is in the mountains we cannot have water stations every few kilometres so please make sure you BRING WATER with you on the race.
Are there post-race refreshments?
Yes. Water, jellies and chocolate will be provided at the finish line for all participants. Complimentary tea, coffee and scones for race participants are provided in the Brockagh Centre.
There will also be a refreshments stand with drinks and snacks available for purchase at the finish line to keep spectators happy!
Where can I get results?
Results will be available post-race.
Are iPods or personal music players allowed on the race?
We would ask that you don’t use personal music devices while racing for safety reasons.
What are the routes like? Is it very mountainous?
This is a mountain challenge so there will be mountains! Please see routes for more information.
Is there car parking available?
11km – Laragh GAA – plenty of parking available.
21km – Brockagh Resource Centre – parking available but first come first served.
**Shuttle Bus will be available to transport participants back to Laragh GAA from Brockagh Centre finish point
***It’s only a 10 minute walk from Laragh GAA to Brockagh Centre
Can I bring my dog?
Unfortunately, as we will be crossing private farmland, dogs are not permitted on either route.