Sugar Bowl

MAY
27
2026
Challenge yourself on the technical trails of County Wicklow with a choice of distances including a 9 km circuit of the Great Sugarloaf. Experience steep climbs and scenic descents in this fully marked mountain running event.
Wed 27 May 2026
9 kilometers 5 kilometers

Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.

Sugar Bowl

The Sugar Bowl is a mountain running event held in County Wicklow. The course features a variety of terrain including grassy banks, single tracks, technical trails, marshes, and steep climbs. The main route consists of a circuit and a climb of the Great Sugarloaf, incorporating an anti-clockwise loop around the mountain and an ascent to the summit using the established steps before a descent toward the car park.

Participants can choose from multiple distance options:

  • 9.00 km (Long Course): Features 575 m of climbing.
  • 4.50 km (Short Course/Junior Route): An out-and-back route with 180 m of climbing, avoiding the summit.
  • 1.00 km (Sugarloaf Challenge): A fun run or walk up and down the grassy slope.

The event is held under the Irish Mountain Running Association and requires a mandatory Level B safety kit. This kit includes a waterproof jacket, hat or buff, gloves, a whistle, a charged mobile phone with emergency numbers, and a foil blanket or bivvy bag. Registrants must have the means to carry this equipment during the race.

The route is fully marked, and the use of GPS devices is permitted. Due to the terrain, trail shoes are recommended. Parking is provided in a field adjacent to the Great Sugarloaf car park. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

9 km
Long Course
5 km
Short Course
Sugarloaf Challenge