Beara Way Challenge
Sheep's Head, Ireland • 16 May 2026
Beara Way Challenge
The Beara Way Challenge is a mountain half marathon held in County Cork on Saturday 16 May 2026. Race registration is in Castletownbere Town Centre and the race starts on the Derrintaggert Road just past the Old Bakery Restaurant. The course is fully marked and GPS use is allowed.
Distances
- 23.50 km half marathon with 1100 m climb
- 0.00 km short course
The route follows the Beara Way walking trail to a fire road, then follows markers toward Eyeries. Runners cross a foot-bridge and follow markers for Allihies before ascending Knockoura Mountain off the Beara Way to the summit. Runners then descend back onto the Beara Way and follow the trail toward a forestry gate where a marshal will be posted prior to the ascent of Mish Kish Mountain. After summiting Mish Kish, the route descends back to the Beara Way and returns to finish at Castletownbere Town Centre. The course runs over open mountain terrain with sea views along parts of the route.
Event details note an overall difficulty rating of 9 (3,3,3) indicating difficult terrain, more than 500 m ascent and a course longer than 10 km. Mandatory Level B kit must be carried and includes a waterproof jacket, hat or buff, gloves, whistle, a charged mobile phone with the emergency number stored, and a foil blanket or bivvy bag. Due to potential high temperatures, carrying water is mandatory. The organiser may carry out random kit checks and failure to carry required items may lead to denied entry or disqualification.
Entry closes Friday 8 May 2026 at 18:00. Entry cost is €40, entry limit 100, and 40 entries have been sold. Prizes are awarded to the first three male and female finishers. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.