MTC Balor
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Race Overview
The MTC Balor is a 47 mile ultra marathon held on the 17th of May, 2027. It is part of the larger Mount to Coast End to End Challenge series. The event is also Day 11 of the fourteen-day MTC MizMal® challenge, a multi-stage race from Mizen Head to Malin Head in Ireland.
Route Details
The point-to-point course starts at Murphys Hotel in Tobercurry and finishes at Rolling Waves Guesthouse in Bundoran. The route largely follows the MizMal® cycling route developed by Wild Atlantic Cycling.
A detailed breakdown of checkpoints is provided:
- Start: Murphys Hotel, Tobercurry.
- CP1 (8.8 miles): Carrowneden.
- CP2 (17.8 miles total): Lugnamackan, Co. Sligo.
- CP3 (26.9 miles total): Shannon Eighter, Co. Sligo.
- CP4 (36.1 miles total): Gortnaleck.
- Finish (47 miles total): Rolling Waves Guesthouse, Bundoran.
The total elevation gain is listed as 1,862 feet, with a descent of 1,819 feet.
Race Logistics
The event has a strict participant limit of 40 runners: 20 entries for the standalone MTC Balor race and an additional 20 for competitors undertaking the full MTC MizMal® challenge.
A minimum pace of 4 mph is enforced throughout the race. Participants falling below this pace on consecutive days (for multi-day entrants) or at any checkpoint may be withdrawn. The event is cup-free; runners must bring their own reusable cup. Checkpoints provide food such as malt loaf, sandwiches, sweets, and drinks.
All finishers receive a bespoke Balor medal. Champions (male and female) also receive a unique trophy. An optional race package includes an embroidered race shirt and a hi-viz jacket.
Participant Requirements
Runners must be 20 years or older on the race day. A mandatory kit list includes a backpack, head torch with spare batteries, provided route maps, a compass or GPS device, a whistle, a mobile phone, an emergency food pack, and a basic first aid kit.
Participants must follow the marked route and check in at all checkpoints. GPS tracking devices with SOS functionality are provided by the organizer. Entry fees are non-refundable, but a deferral option to the following year is available for a fee up to four weeks before the event. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
