IMRA: Benbulben (Luke’s Bridge)

DESCRIPTION:

Benbulben

COUNTY:

Sligo

DATE:

Saturday 12 August 2023

TIME:

11:00

CLIMB (M):

400

DISTANCE (KM):

9.00

EVENT DIFFICULTY:

6 (2,2,2) – Moderate Terrain, 200M – 500M ascent, 6Km – 10Km

RACE MARKING:

 – Only major junctions marked

GPS ALLOWED:

No

LEAGUES:

North West League

ENTRY OPENS:

2023-08-08 09:00:00

ENTRY CLOSES:

2023-08-11 18:00:00

ENTRY LIMIT:

None set

ENTRY COST:

€7 for seniors, €5 for over 65s and under 18s

ROUTE DESCRIPTION:

The route is about 9 km in total length with elevation gain of around 400 m; see link for detail. https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2304827?units=kmThe first 2 km involves a gentle incline quickly leaving tarmac road to gravel trail and then to bog and grass at the foot of the ascent to the plateau. The main uphill section is a steep c.150 m climb to the plateau close to a stream. At the top of the climb, a marshal will direct you west (turning right as you come up to the plateau), the route continuing northwest along undulating terrain to the trig point marking the Benbulben summit and the marshalled turn-around point. Return along the same route from the trig point and on the descent take a turn to the west (will be marshalled) and follow a well-marked trail back to the road and the finish line.

Descending runners will have right of way on the returning route. The race route will be marked with IMRA markers and marshals at major junctions. There are dangerous cliffs in the vicinity of Benbulben; the route does NOT go directly to the cliff edges at any stage. The main ascent/descent is very steep and extreme care will need to be taken. Stay on the marked route at all times and follow the instructions of marshals. The short course is about 4.5 km, with the turn around point being half way up the plateau ascent. This is also the junior route.

GETTING THERE:

IMPORTANT NOTICE: All runners will need to register in Grange village at Grange Parochial Hall, Eircode F91 Y880. There will NOT be any parking or registration at race start at Luke’s Bridge. A bus will transport runners the 5 km distance from Grange to Luke’s Bridge. This is because there is a severe lack of parking spaces at Luke’s bridge, the area is popular for hikers and tourists and there are several farmers that use the narrow road to the mountain. There is ample parking in Grange village, including a large car park across the road from Hall. There will be at least two trips out and two trips back on the bus to cater for all.

ORGANISERS INSTRUCTIONS:

Race FOUR of the inaugural NORTH WEST LEAGUE

REGISTRATION: All runners must sign in prior to race start in Grange Village at Grange Parochial Hall, Eircode F91 Y880. https://goo.gl/maps/qKRXQi4JmdmXeU8Q9 Registration will open at 9:15 am and will close at 10.15 am. The 10:15 closing will ensure all remaining runners can board the bus and get to the start line in time for race director instructions. The first bus trip will depart at approx. 9:45 am, the final bus trip will depart promptly at 10:25 am. The run will start at 11:00 am.

EARLY START OPTION: There is an early start option. Runners with typically >160% of the winner’s time should use the early start. Registration will close for this at 9:45 and the early starters commence their run at 10:30. In order to facilitate this, early starters must arrive at registration early and get the first bus (leaving at approx. 9:45) to Luke’s Bridge.

JUNIORS: The Junior Route will be the same as the Short Course. All Juniors must be signed in by a parent/guardian. The Junior Route is suitable for U16 and U18 runners.

MANDATORY KIT: All Runners MUST carry/wear a rainproof jacket for the entirety of the race. Any runner found not to be carrying the mandatory jacket will be disqualified. This is for health and safety reasons. Race marshals will be checking. Given that there will be a bus and some waiting for runners before and after race start, we recommend that runners bring a bag and a change of clothes to Luke’s Bridge. Bags can be stored in a sheltered tent/van to be provided at the start/finish line.

FIRST TIME IMRA PARTICIPANTS: If you have never participated in an IMRA event before, please create an account with myIMRA. All runners must be members of IMRA – €10 for the calendar year. You will then receive your race number, which you keep for all IMRA events/races. This number will be emailed to you, but can also be found on your myIMRA profile once you have joined. You can collect your race number at your first race of the calendar year. Entry for races is via the IMRA website. You must also sign in at registration before race start (see above). No on the day entries will be taken. Cost per race is €7 for adults and €5 for Junior/OAP/Unwaged. As detailed elsewhere, a jacket must be carried with you/worn for all IMRA races/events.

CARPOOLING: Is strongly encouraged, there is an option to add your car for carpooling and to accept carpool spots for races. Please consider carpooling to Grange and then avail of the bus to Luke’s Bridge. Do not carpool directly to Luke’s bridge as this will cause congestion, impact on other users of this popular hiking route and place the race at risk of proceeding (see details above).

PRIZEGIVING LOCATION:

Grange Parochial Hall, Eircode F91 Y880. https://goo.gl/maps/qKRXQi4JmdmXeU8Q9The bus will return runners to Grange village. There will be two planned return trips from Luke’s Bridge, one shortly after 12:00 and one later to cater for all remaining runners.

Volunteers 

You need to have done 2 non-running volunteer roles in a calendar year to qualify for end of year prize

Check with race director if they have a need for people volunteering and running. Race directors need a minimum number of people available throughout the race to make the race work so non-running volunteers are preferable. While it can be helpful, volunteering in a volunteer and race capacity does not count towards qualifying for end of year prize

Please login to myIMRA to volunteer to help at this event. You should aim to volunteer at least once for every 10 events that you run.