The Beara Way Challenge, held on Saturday, May 18th, turned out to be a spectacular event, graced with beautiful sunshine and breathtaking scenery. Starting at 12pm, the race drew participants eager to tackle the demanding 30km course, which boasted an elevation gain of 1,300 meters.
In the women's category, Sorcha Kearney emerged victorious, followed by Michelle Nolan in second place and Elaine Collins in third. The men's was equally competitive, with Donnacha Cassidy taking the top spot, Steven O'Keeffe finishing second, and Vince Birmingham securing third place.
IMRA Munster's Mags Hassett shared her enthusiasm for the Beara Way Challenge in a chat with Run Republic. She described the event as a fantastic experience, despite the challenging conditions. "I loved this race," Hassett said. "It was a hot day, but we were running in a most beautiful place with stunning views all around. The course had plenty of elevation and was very wet and slippy in places."
The race was not only a test of endurance but also a celebration of community spirit. The start and finish lines in Castletownbere town centre were vibrant with a party-like atmosphere. Local residents came out in force to support the runners, adding to the festive mood. Many participants and spectators stayed on to cheer for the ultra runners as they crossed the finish line, extending the sense of camaraderie well into the afternoon.
The event's success was in large part due to the efforts of Race Director Kristen O'Sullivan and the numerous volunteers who ensured everything ran smoothly. "Loads of volunteers were around the course providing water and encouragement," Hassett noted. The dedication and support from the local community and volunteers were instrumental in making the Beara Way Challenge a memorable event for all involved.
As the runners and spectators dispersed, the consensus was clear: the Beara Way Challenge had delivered an unforgettable experience, combining physical exertion with the natural beauty of the Beara Peninsula.
The IMRA weekend in the Beara Peninsula was truly one for the ages. The emotions, thrill, and everything in between that it conjured up over the Ultra and the Challenge really summed up what IMRA is all about.
Featured Image: Credit to Colin & Graham Long.