Races
Kerry Way Ultra
Ireland, September. 101 km on 70% trail. +14,974 ft of climbing. 20 hours cutoff.
- Start92 ft
- High1,181 ft
- Low28 ft
- Finish1,181 ft
- Ireland at mile 0.0
- Kerry Way Ultra mile 13 at mile 13, cutoff 4 hours
- Kerry Way Ultra mile 25 at mile 25, cutoff 8 hours
- Kerry Way Ultra mile 38 at mile 38, cutoff 12 hours
- Kerry Way Ultra mile 50 at mile 50, cutoff 16 hours
- Finish Ireland at mile 63, cutoff 20 hours
Geometrycourse math
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. +14,974 ft gain and -13,885 ft loss. 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 26 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 14,974 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.
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