IMRA are organising an event in West Cork on Saturday 10th February that really looks amazing. It is probably best described as suitable for 'hard-core' and 'aspiring hard-core' runners.
Slí Chorcaí Half-Marathon... This 23.5km event starts at 12 noon and takes in a route from Kealkill to Drimoleague in West Cork. The route is a mix of minor country roads, forest trails and tracks across open mountainside.
It's described as follows... "The race will follow St Finbarrs Way Marked Way from Carriganass Castle in Kealkil, to the Top of the Rock in Drimoleague, with a small additional loop at the start. There will be an aid station at Mealagh Valley Community Centre, which is about half way, with drink and snacks. Please note you are following the yellow man signs. In fog or mist they might not be fully visible to you. Runners should download the route to watch or have a way of following the route to keep on track."
COUNTY: Cork
TIME: 12:00
CLIMB (M): 900
DISTANCE (KM): 23.5
RACE MARKING: Route fully marked - Route fully marked
GPS ALLOWED: Yes
ENTRY CLOSES: Thursday 8th February 2024, 23:30
ENTRY COST: €35
Info & entries... https://www.imra.ie/events/view/id/2424
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Slí Chorcaí Ultra... The Ultra event is something else altogether. Participants start in Ballyvourney and run 71.5kms to Drimoleague. Running 72k is hard enough but it's a really tough challenge with that kind of terrain especially in February.
It really is amazing to start a race in Ballyvourney and know that the finish line is in Drimoleague.
COUNTY: Cork
DATE: Saturday 10th February, 2024
TIME: 08:00
DISTANCE (KM):71.50
RACE MARKING: Route fully marked - Route fully marked
GPS ALLOWED: Yes
ENTRY CLOSES: Wednesday 24th January 2024, 23:30
ENTRY COST: €60
ENTRY LIMIT: 100
Entries & Info... https://www.imra.ie/events/view/id/2423
In Conclusion... Both events are only suitable for experienced runners who can comfortably run the marathon distance on the road.
As with all IMRA events, annual membership of IMRA costing €10 is required and a certain amount of safety equipment, clothing and gear must be carried by each participant.
It strikes me that for anyone aspiring to do the ultra event at some stage, the half would be an excellent one to do to gain experience and to see what the terrain is like.
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