Trooperstown and Clara Vale Loop
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Trooperstown and Clara Vale Loop
The event is a mountain running loop in County Wicklow covering 21.50 km with about 750 m of climb. It is graded Event Difficulty 8 (2,3,3) for moderate terrain, more than 500 m ascent and over 10 km. The route is fully marked and GPS is not allowed. The race is part of the Leinster Half-Marathon League.
The start and finish are by the bridge beside the carpark. From the start the course follows small tracks and fireroads through trees, then goes up and over Trooperstown Hill on an out-and-back section. The main loop runs clockwise over Boots Hill, descends towards Clara Vale, passes a junction of large tracks, then turns left into a smaller trail. Runners follow the Avonmore river back to Clara church, use a hidden gap and steps near the church, then follow the Avonmore Way and fireroads back toward the mountain to rejoin the loop before returning over Trooperstown Hill to the finish.
There is a water station at 16 km for refills only. Prizegiving is at the finish area. The carpark is a short walk to the start and finish; parking grid reference T 158 969. Organisers advise carpooling where possible.
Mandatory kit is Level B and includes a waterproof jacket, hat or buff, gloves, whistle, charged mobile phone with an emergency number stored, and a foil blanket or bivvy bag. Required kit to carry may be finalised on the day and random checks may be carried out. Failure to have required items may lead to denial of entry or disqualification. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
