RunRepublic

🏞️ Benbulben – Luke’s Bridge (9 km / 4.5 km) 🏃‍♂️

A classic Sligo mountain race with steep ascents, undulating plateau terrain, and stunning views of Benbulben. Short course (4.5 km) is ideal for juniors or less experienced runners.

📅 Date: Saturday, 4th July 2026
⏰ Time: 11:00
📍 County: Sligo

🎽 Event Overview:

Distance: 9 km (Short Course 4.5 km)

Climb: 400 m

Difficulty: Moderate (Difficulty 6 – 200–500 m ascent per 6 km)

Race Marking: Only major junctions marked, marshals present

GPS Allowed: No

Leagues: Connacht Championship, North West League

🎒 Mandatory Kit – Level B (Standard):

Waterproof jacket, hat or buff, gloves, whistle

Charged mobile phone with emergency number

Foil blanket / bivvy bag

All runners must carry kit; marshals may perform checks

📌 Entry Details:

Opens: Monday, 29 June 2026, 21:00

Closes: Friday, 3 July 2026, 18:00

Cost: €7 seniors, €5 over 65s & under 18s

Limit: 250

📍 Route Description:

Starts on tarmac → gravel → bog & grass at base of ascent

Main climb: ~150 m to plateau near stream

Summit: Trig point on Benbulben; turn-around for long course

Return via alternate descent route, well-marked, right-of-way for descending runners

Short course: 4.5 km, turn-around halfway up plateau (junior route)

Map: PlotaRoute link

🚌 Getting There:

Registration: Grange Village, North Sligo Sports Complex (F91YX25)

Bus to Luke’s Bridge (~5 km from Grange); alternate parking: Gortarowey Forest Car Park (~1 km from N15)

Registration opens 9:15 am, closes 10:15 am

Race start: 11:00 am

Early Start Option: 10:30 am for runners >160% of winner’s time

📌 Organisers Instructions:

Mandatory shuttle bus booking required (limited to 60 places)

Follow marshal guidance at start & along route

Extreme care on steep sections; stay on marked route

This race mixes technical climbs with plateau running and delivers a true mountain running challenge! 🌄🔥