MTC Pooka
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Event overview
The MTC POOKA is a one-day ultra running race held on 8 May 2026. The race distance is 38 miles and this is the first edition. It forms Day 1 of the MTC MizMal® fourteen-day end-to-end of Ireland series. The event is part of the Mount to Coast End to End Challenge series. All finishers receive a bespoke POOKA medal; male and female champions receive trophies.
Route, entries and rules
The route starts at Mizen Road, Cloghane, Goleen and finishes at the Eccles Hotel, Glengarriff. Total ascent is 830.8 metres and total descent is 892.5 metres. Competitor numbers are limited to 20, with an additional allowance of 20 for MizMal® entrants (maximum 40). The organiser provides competitor tracking devices with SOS capability and will supply GPX and maps to entrants four weeks before the race.
Entry fee options are: MTC POOKA £90.00, or MTC POOKA Plus Race Package £155.00 (includes embroidered race shirt and lightweight hi-viz jacket if ordered at least four weeks before the event). All deposits and payments are non-refundable; a defer option is available for a fee.
The event enforces a minimum average speed of 4.0 mph; competitors who fall below this requirement will be withdrawn. The race is cup-free and competitors must bring a reusable cup. Mandatory kit includes a backpack, head torch with spare batteries, route maps, compass or GPS, whistle, mobile phone, emergency food (two chocolate bars) and a basic first aid kit. Check-point food may include malt loaf, sandwiches, sweets, squash, cola and water. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.