Kerry Way Ultra

Event Overview

The Kerry Way Ultra is an endurance event that traverses the entire 200 km length of the Kerry Way. The route follows the Iveragh Peninsula through the Old Red Sandstone mountains of Kerry, passing through areas of historical and archaeological significance. The event is centered at the Killarney Racecourse on Ross Road, which serves as the location for registration, the start, and the finish line.

Participants can choose from several event formats:

• Kerry Way Ultra: The full 200 km individual loop.
• Kerry Way Ultra Relay: The full 200 km route completed by teams.
• Kerry Way Ultra Nite: A 101 km night-running event.
• Kerry Way Ultra Lite: A 58 km course from Sneem to Killarney.

Participation and Logistics

To manage environmental impact on the trail, total participant numbers are limited to 500 across all events. Registration for the full ultra requires specific qualifications, such as the completion of two marathons, one 50-mile ultra, or one 100 km ultra within the previous calendar year.

The organizers provide a bag drop service for competitors. Drop bags are transported from the Killarney Racecourse to various crew stops along the route. While personal support crews are permitted at designated locations, the event is designed to be self-sufficient. Mandatory gear is required for all runners, including waterproof clothing, a head torch with minimum 200 lumens, paper maps, and a first aid kit. All participants are tracked via GPS for safety throughout the duration of the event.

Course and Environment

The trail includes varied terrain with significant elevation changes, traversing sections of Killarney National Park and the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks. The route features numerous stiles and is subject to changing weather conditions. Entrants must follow the marked Kerry Way route and adhere to "Leave No Trace" principles to protect the rural mountain environment. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

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