Google+ Running in Cork, Ireland: 3 out of 10 Runners complete the Kerry Way Ultra this weekend

Sunday, September 08, 2013

3 out of 10 Runners complete the Kerry Way Ultra this weekend

Back in September of 2012, I had a post about two runners who set out to complete the 120 miles / 200 kms of the Kerry Way. That was very much a trial run for this year's official event when 10 people took part.

As you can see from the map above, the route takes in a large anti-clockwise loop around the Iveragh Peninsula. Much of the route nearer the tourist areas is well signposted but there are sections in the more mountainous regions that are poorly marked. This turned out to be a problem on the day with several contestants losing their way.

 The event started in Killarney at 6am on Friday the 6th of September. Of the ten that started, only three finished the arduous 120 mile route with the first man finishing in just over 27 hours.

1    Stefaan DÆESPALLIER    27:08:00  1    Male    7.4 km/h
2    Jens WAECHTER    30:45:00  2    Male    6.5 km/h
3    Bridget BRADY    37:56:00   1    Female    5.3 km/h

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is a very interesting event. But my particular interest in the article is the map that shows the path of the run. My wife and I want to walk the portion from Glenbeigh to Caherdaniel and would like to know just how to find the path the runners used. Is it a collection of well-marked walking paths? You said that the mountainous areas offered some problems but the section we are interested in is, I think, gentler.
We would like to get specific instructions on how to begin the trails, and where walkers might stop for the night. Then I can do the rest of the search through internet resources.
Thank you.
Eric Berman, Fayetteville, ARKANSAS, USA

John Desmond said...

Eric, you might try this link... http://www.kerryway.com/trail-maps/index.php

You should also purchase the relevant Ordnance Survey maps as the trail markings may not be so obvious in places.
http://shop.osi.ie/Shop/Products/StockedItemsWH03/Discovery+Series(StockedItems)/Default.aspx

The Kerry Way will be marked by a small Yellow man painted on wooden posts. Most are within sight of one another but be prepared if they're not.

The main thing is that the ground can be quite wet and boggy in places. Waterproof walking boots are a must. Needless to say, the Irish weather is very variable so come prepared.

If the weather co-operates, it's a lovely spot. There are a number of Bed and Breakfasts in the area but they may actually be some distance from the trail. Use the maps and do your homework first.

John Desmond