IMRA: Tomies / Purple Mountain Kerry

DESCRIPTION: Killarney Open Mountain race

COUNTY: Kerry

DATE: Sunday 23 April, 2023

TIME:11:00

CLIMB (M):867

DISTANCE (KM):12.50

EVENT DIFFICULTY:9 (3,3,3) – Difficult Terrain, >500M ascent, >10KmRACE MARKING: – Route not marked GPS ALLOWED: No LEAGUES: ENTRY DETAILS: No entry details have been entered for this event yet. Entries for league events usually open a couple of weeks before the event VOUCHERS ALLOWED: Yes. Race vouchers may be used to enter this event on the day. ROUTE DESCRIPTION:

Race route Description. 

This race is open to experienced mountain runners with the ability to navigate the route safely with map and compass.

There are multiple steep cliffs which pose a danger of life or limb threatening injury.

Visibility is frequently poor, so please be aware of these hazards before entering.

there is a path for the entire route, however, it is very difficult to follow, due to thick heather, and does not alway present the quickest route. Multiple Cairns do no signify waypoints in this race

A. Commence along twisting gravel/muddy road through old golf course gradually climbing

B. Immediately as you exit Golf Course the path gradient steepens as you enter a cross roads of muddy farm tracks. At this Junction, keep Right of the deer fence taking the narrow, twisting single track path uphill along the Lower Slopes of Tomies. This presents a tight bottleneck that competitors will want to plan for – be out in front or wait behind.

C. Continue along this braided, muddy single track uphill in a southerly direction as you leave the deer fence behind, you are on the open mountain. In good Visibility you can see a steep embankment, to your Right, falling down to the River Loe, and straight ahead, the hulking Dome of the first Tomies Top with its Conical shaped Twin out behind

D. The gradient steepens sharply for a lung bursting climb on grass & heather climb to the top of Tomies spot height 568m

E. Upon reaching this point, gradually descend south, along the path into the saddle for approx 400m before picking up the well defined rocky path climbing steeply up Tomies Mountain immediately South / South East.

F. Once climbing Tomies Mountain competitors may choose their preferred route to the summit shelter on Purple Mountain. This signifies the Race halfway point.

G. Follow back the way you came to race start for a hair razing, leg burning descent Finish.

GETTING THERE:https://g.page/Diamond-Way-Killarney?share

Driving From Killarney

A. Drive out the N72 (Killorglin Road)

B. Approximately 1km after the Hotel Europe, take the Left turn signed for Carrauntoohil (The Signpost is huge, you can’t miss it)

C. Continue along this road for approximately 2.5km passing over the River Laune Bridge.

D. When you meet the Hard Right Turn (@ Tomies Cross) follow the road around to the right.

E. Continue for approximately 300m and take the Left up the Long Driveway (this Left turn will be Signed IMRA Race)

If you find yourself driving past the Hotel Dunloe, you have gone too far.

3. There is limited parking at the race start, please car pool where possible.

ORGANISERS INSTRUCTIONS:

Under IMRA rules for competitor’s safety, it is MANDATORY to bring and carry a JACKET that is shower and wind proof for the entire race. Any competitor seen not carrying or wearing their jacket at any stage in the race will be disqualified. There are no exceptions to this rule!