Races

Kerry Way Ultra

IrelandSeptember

Ireland, September. 101 km on 70% trail. +2,812 ft of climbing. 20 hours cutoff.

63 mi+2,812 ft-2,707 ft20 hours377 ft to 482 fttech 5/10Checkpoints per race bookWSER qualifierSeptember
Distance63 mi
Gain+2,812 ft
Loss-2,707 ft
Altitude377 ft to 482 ft
Technicality5/10
Air40°F to 70°F
Gradient profileOfficial race GPX
  • Start377 ft
  • High482 ft
  • Low377 ft
  • Finish482 ft

Geometryderived

Steepest drop89 ft-0.8% over 2.2 mi
Night miles21 misunset near 18:00 local

The cruxMoorland bogs, steep fells, and night navigation on unmarked paths (near mile 41)

Course DNA

The Course

Kerry Way Ultra runs 101 km through Ireland. +2,812 ft gain and -2,707 ft loss. Surfaces skew 70% trail / 20% path / 10% road. Moorland bogs, steep fells, and night navigation on unmarked paths. High point near 482 ft. Low near 377 ft. September temps run 40°F to 70°F. The course rewards patience early and punishes rushed descents after mile 31.

The Work

Train for 2,812 feet of climbing across 101 km. Back-to-back long runs on trail. Practice power-hiking grades above 15 percent. 20 hours total means limited margin: rehearse fueling every 45 to 60 minutes and downhill eccentric work weekly. Technicality 5/10. Build a block that simulates the crux near mile 41.

Kit

September in Ireland: plan for 40°F to 70°F. Mandatory shell if rain is in forecast. Headlamp with spare batteries if 20 hours pushes past dark. Poles help on sustained climbs above mile 16. Vest capacity for 2 liters minimum. Shoes matched to 70% trail: lugs for mud, rock plate if the course turns technical after mile 31.

Race Day

Hold effort through mile 16. The field often splits on the first big climb after mile 31. Moorland bogs, steep fells, and night navigation on unmarked paths near mile 41 is where time is won or lost. Walk the steep pinches. Run the flats and gentle downhills. Crew at major aids: socks, calories, ice if hot. Transitions under 5 minutes when possible. Final third is 21 miles of fatigue management. Finish with reserve for the last descent.

Kerry Way Ultra