Races
Kerry Way Ultra
Ireland, September. 193 km on 70% trail. +25,692 ft of climbing. 40 hours cutoff.
- Start92 ft
- High1,109 ft
- Low13 ft
- Finish417 ft
- Ireland at mile 0.0
- Kerry Way Ultra mile 24 at mile 24, cutoff 8 hours
- Kerry Way Ultra mile 48 at mile 48, cutoff 16 hours
- Kerry Way Ultra mile 72 at mile 72, cutoff 24 hours
- Kerry Way Ultra mile 96 at mile 96, cutoff 32 hours
- Finish Ireland at mile 120, cutoff 40 hours
Geometrycourse math
The cruxMoorland bogs, steep fells, and night navigation on unmarked paths (near mile 78)
Course DNA
The Course
Kerry Way Ultra runs 193 km through Ireland. Surfaces skew 70% trail / 20% path / 10% road. Moorland bogs, steep fells, and night navigation on unmarked paths. High point near 1,253 ft. Low near 7 ft. September temps run 40°F to 70°F. The course rewards patience early and punishes rushed descents after mile 60.
The Work
Train for the climbing across 193 km. Back-to-back long runs on trail. Practice power-hiking grades above 15 percent. 40 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 78.
Kit
September in Ireland: plan for 40°F to 70°F. Mandatory shell if rain is in forecast. Headlamp with spare batteries if 40 hours pushes past dark. Poles help on sustained climbs above mile 30. Vest capacity for 2 liters minimum. Shoes matched to 70% trail: lugs for mud, rock plate if the course turns technical after mile 60.
Race Day
Hold effort through mile 30. The field often splits on the first big climb after mile 60. Moorland bogs, steep fells, and night navigation on unmarked paths near mile 78 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 40 miles of fatigue management. Finish with reserve for the last descent.
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