Spelga Skyline
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Spelga Skyline
Spelga Skyline is a mountain running event held on Saturday 4th July 2026 with race headquarters at Spelga Dam (NI Water car park). The route follows the skyline around the Spelga reservoir and visits multiple summits on the lower slopes of Slievenamuck. The finish area is at the Spelga car park, reached after a final climb below the dam. The route includes two mandatory road crossings; other sections are off-road.
Two race options are offered:
- 20 km (13 miles), ascent 1800 m
- 11 km, ascent 815 m
The long course is a NIMRA Championship race and requires competitors to visit checkpoints in order with route choice between them; the course is not marked. The short course is new for 2026, part of the NIMRA League, and mainly follows paths or the Mourne Wall. Use of the stile at Ott Car Park at the start of the Ott Track is mandatory. There is a cut off at the Deer’s Meadow road crossing at 13:15.
The event operates under Athletics NI and FRA rules. A minimum safety kit is required and will be checked before the start; minimum items include a waterproof whole body cover with taped seams and attached hood, hat or buff, gloves, whistle, physical map and compass, and a thermal foil blanket or bag. GPS devices are not permitted for navigation and walking poles are not allowed. Water sources on the route are limited and a bottle transfer to the Deer’s Meadow checkpoint is available. Entries are pre-entry only, limited to 150 participants, with a minimum age of 18 on the day. Entry fees are listed as affiliated and unaffiliated rates with reduced fees for some age groups. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
