One forest, four distances and a November trail challenge that can be as manageable or as formidable as you want it to be.
The Tollymore Trail Marathon Events return to Tollymore Forest Park on Saturday November 14th, giving runners the choice of a 10K, half marathon, marathon or 40 mile ultra. Entries are still open, although the organisers have warned that places are filling quickly.
Set at the foot of the Mourne Mountains, this is an event with a strong selling point before anybody has even reached the start line. Tollymore is one of the most striking running locations in Ireland, with the Shimna River, old stone bridges, towering woodland and steep forest climbs all packed into the course.
It is beautiful, but it will not be gentle.
One Forest, Four Different Challenges
The event is built around a roughly 21 kilometre forest loop. Half marathon runners complete it once, marathon runners twice and those taking on the 40 mile ultra head out for a third lap.
That simple format gives the day much of its appeal. The half marathon offers a proper taste of the Tollymore trails, the marathon asks runners to face every climb again and the ultra adds a third lap when the legs are already well aware of what is coming.
There is also a 10K for anyone who wants the atmosphere and scenery without committing to the full loop. It makes this a rare trail event that can suit experienced ultra runners, club runners looking for an autumn challenge and people taking their first step beyond road racing.
The four races begin at staggered times. The ultra starts at 8.00am, the marathon at 10.00am, the half marathon at 12.00pm and the 10K at 1.00pm. By early afternoon, every part of the event should be moving through the forest at once.
A Course That Makes Every Mile Count
Most of the running takes place on forest gravel tracks, with a shorter section of narrow single track. Those paths are maintained, but November can bring mud, wet leaves, ruts and slippery ground, so trail shoes are a sensible choice.
The route rises sharply from river level in places, with several steep climbs followed by fast and technical descents. Runners are rewarded with stretches beside the Shimna River, historic bridges, ancient woodland and views towards the Mournes and the Irish Sea.
This is not the sort of trail race where distance tells the whole story. A half marathon on rolling forest roads with roughly 500 metres of climbing is a very different proposition from 13.1 miles on tarmac. The marathon and ultra then multiply that work over two and three laps.
Anyone chasing a time will need to judge the early miles carefully. The opening climbs can feel very manageable on fresh legs, but they become rather less friendly on the return journey. Tollymore has a good memory and appears quite happy to remind runners of every hill they attacked too eagerly the first time around.
The Challenge Changes With Every Lap
For half marathon runners, the task is to keep enough in reserve for the final section while making the most of a single circuit through the forest.
Marathon runners have a different mental test. Completing the first lap means passing the event base before heading back out to do it all again. The landmarks are familiar, the climbs are no longer a surprise and every earlier decision begins to matter.
The 40 mile race takes that idea another step. Three laps may sound straightforward on paper, but the final circuit comes after more than a marathon of trail running. Conditions underfoot, fading energy and the repeated climbing can turn familiar ground into an entirely new course.
That is the attraction. There is no need for complicated navigation or an unknown route on every lap. The challenge comes from learning the course, managing the effort and seeing how well the body and mind respond when the forest asks the same question for a second or third time.
Run Through A Piece Of Screen History
Tollymore also has a claim that few race venues can match. The forest was used during filming for Game of Thrones, including scenes from the opening episode and the moment the Stark children found the direwolf pups.
Runners should not expect dragons at an aid station, but the setting does have the ancient, atmospheric quality that made it such a natural fit for the series. Moss covered stonework, dark woodland and the river valley give the route a sense of place far beyond an ordinary park loop.
It is an easy event to picture before entering and an even easier one to talk about afterwards.
Support Around The Course
The routes are fully marked and marshalled, with stocked aid stations positioned around the main loop. The event has also previously used roving support staff and specialist medical cover within the forest.
Runners should still arrive prepared for a self sufficient day on exposed trails. November weather in the Mournes can change quickly, and the difference between the early ultra start and the later races may be considerable. The final participant information will confirm the required kit, registration arrangements and any event day changes.
Parking at Tollymore can become busy, with one main entrance serving the venue. Arriving early and sharing a car where possible will make the morning easier. It also leaves time to collect a race number, check kit and walk to the start without turning the warm up into an unscheduled sprint.
Entries Are Still Open
Entry currently starts at £40 for the 10K. The half marathon costs £60, the marathon is £80 and the 40 mile ultra is £100.
The event has been part of the Irish trail calendar since 2010, and its mix of distance choices gives it broad appeal. The half marathon, marathon and ultra all use the same central idea, but each produces a very different day in the forest.
For runners who want something more memorable than another road race, Tollymore offers a genuine autumn target. Choose one loop, two loops or three, accept that the hills will have the final word and get the entry booked while places remain.
Race Essentials
Event: Tollymore Trail Marathon Events
Date: Saturday November 14th
Location: Tollymore Forest Park, Bryansford, Co. Down
Terrain: Off road forest trail
10K: From £40, starting at 1.00pm
Half Marathon: £60, starting at 12.00pm
Marathon: £80, starting at 10.00am
40 Mile Ultra: £100, starting at 8.00am
Entry Status: Open
Registration: Enter Through 26 Extreme
