The Kerry Way Ultra is under way in Killarney, with 128 runners listed to tackle a course measuring close to five consecutive marathons.
Competitors are beginning one of the most demanding weekends on the Irish running calendar today, September 4th, as the Kerry Way Ultra returns to the Iveragh Peninsula.
The full race covers approximately 200km, or 120 miles, beginning and finishing at Killarney Racecourse. The published entry list contains 128 athletes from Ireland and overseas.
There are two starting groups. The intermediate field departs at 6am and receives 40 hours to complete the course, while the competitive group begins at 10am with a 36 hour limit.
Despite leaving four hours apart, both groups face the same ultimate deadline. Anyone still on the course after 10pm on Saturday will have run out of time.
A Long Road Back to Killarney
The route sends runners from Killarney towards Lord Brandon’s Cottage before continuing through Glencar, Glenbeigh, Foilmore, Waterville, Caherdaniel, Sneem, Templenoe and Kenmare.
Only after reaching Kenmare can they turn their thoughts towards the final 25km back to Killarney.
The ground beneath their feet will change repeatedly. Mountain paths, bog, stone, sleepers, green trails and sections of road all form part of the challenge. Much of the journey will also be completed during darkness, making navigation and concentration every bit as important as running speed.
For some context, the total distance amounts to roughly four and three quarter marathons. Participants must cover it in a single continuous effort while managing food, equipment, changing conditions and the inevitable bad patch or two.
Entry into the full race requires previous distance running experience. Athletes must have completed two marathons, a 50 mile race or a 100km ultra during the previous calendar year.
Strict Deadlines Around the Peninsula
Reaching the finish is not the only battle against the clock.
Runners must arrive at Foilmore or Gortmore by 10pm on Friday, Waterville by 4am on Saturday, Sneem by 9am and Kenmare by 4pm.
The event is largely self sufficient. Organisers provide emergency water at the approved crew locations, but competitors remain responsible for their own food and race supplies.
Personal assistance is permitted only at eight designated crew stops. Pacers are not allowed, although family members or friends may accompany a runner over the final section from Torc Waterfall through Killarney National Park.
Mandatory equipment includes waterproof clothing, a head torch, paper maps, a charged mobile phone, a survival bag, a whistle, a first aid kit, warm clothing, water and spare food.
Every runner also carries a GPS tracker. Organisers and supporters can follow their progress throughout the race, particularly important once night falls across the peninsula.
One of the more unusual rules concerns runners who stray from the route. If the monitoring team calls, the athlete must answer the phone. Failing to respond can result in disqualification.
More Ultra Racing to Come
The full 200km contest is only one part of the Kerry Way Ultra weekend.
The 101km Ultra Nite begins from Dromid near Waterville at 9pm on Friday, asking runners to complete the second half of the route through the night.
On Saturday morning, the 58km UltraLite will begin in Sneem before following the trail through Kenmare and onwards to the finish at Killarney Racecourse.
Relay teams are also taking on the complete 200km course, passing their GPS tracker between team members at the authorised crew stops.
For the full distance competitors, however, the task is already clear. They must make their way around the Iveragh Peninsula and return to the same point in Killarney before the clock reaches 10pm on Saturday.
Further information is available from the official Kerry Way Ultra website.
Supporters can follow the runners through the live GPS tracker.
