IMRA: Galtee Challenge

DESCRIPTION: Galtees Half Marathon

COUNTY: Limerick

DATE: Saturday 9 September, 2023

TIME: 11:00

CLIMB (M): 1764

DISTANCE (KM): 23.00

EVENT DIFFICULTY: 10 (Extreme) – Extreme, >1,000M ascent or > 30Km

RACE MARKING: – Only major junctions marked

GPS ALLOWED: Yes

LEAGUES: Munster Half-Marathon League

ENTRY OPENS: 2023-08-28 00:00:00

ENTRY CLOSES: 2023-09-08 18:00:00

ENTRY LIMIT: None set

ENTRY COST: €20

ROUTE DESCRIPTION:

All distances are approximate “ANY MARKED ROUTE MUST BE TAKEN” Start in Kings Yard; take the north path into Glounreagh Glen; at 2k turn left off the path; cross the footbridge over the river and turn left; at 3k turn right and head uphill to the summit of Carrigeen (629m) where there will be a summit marshall; head in a northerly direction down to the saddle at 4.5k; take the rising shoulder and reach the wall at 5.5k between Carrignabinnia and Slieveacushnabinnia; follow the wall right (East) to the corner of the wall at 6.5k; this is locally called The Hammerhead; go over the wall and follow the bamboo markers going left to lead you to the trail heading downhill; follow the trail down to the Grassy Knoll; continue to follow the trail down to the woods; the route through the woods will be marked to Cush car park at 12k; there will be an aid station and cut off point here (you must have left the car park 2.5hrs after race start); turn right uphill on road for approx 400m and then turn left over stile at 12.5k; from here it’s uphill to Cush (639m), Galtybeg (786m) and Galtymore (919m); at this 18k point you run across the plateau at the top of Galtymore, called Dawson’s Table; as you go over the plateau heading down you will see a marshall; they will point you towards the markers linking up with the white stones route; this route will take you down to the sheep pens at 21.5k; from the pens run back down the lane to the finish line at Kings Yard.

GETTING THERE: Due to maintenance works taking place in Kings Yard at the time, parking will be in the Attychraan Loop Trail car park aprox 1.5 k from Kings Yard. Registration and the start line are at Kings Yard so please leave plenty of time to get there from the car park. The maintenance works may cause changes to plans so please keep an eye on the Event Page and Forum for updates.

Parking: click here for map link

Registration: click here for map link

ORGANISERS INSTRUCTIONS: New expression of what the Galtees can offer. Starting from Kings Yard taking in Carrigeen, Slievecushnabinnia, down to the Cush car park via the Grassy Knoll (cut off point – must have left car park 2.5 hrs after race start) and back up Cush, Galty Beag, Galty Mór and down the white stones route to the finish back at Kings Yard.

Race kit: waterproof jacket, foil blanket, gloves, hat, fully charged phone, water.

Early start 10am. This race is harder and longer than previous years. It is 23k and over 1700m elevation with some open mountain sections. A recce in advance is advised (recce dates will be posted on forum). This race would be a good indicator of ability to complete the Reeks Skyline or other tough mountain runs.

Further Information

For further information and for the latest updates on this race, visit imra.ie