Beara Way Ultra
Sheep's Head, Ireland • 15 May 2026
Event overview
The Beara Way Ultra is an ultra-distance race held on 15 May 2026, with start and finish in Castletownbere town centre, County Cork. The course covers 161 km with 5,500 m of ascent. The route is fully marked and GPS devices are allowed. The event is rated Difficulty 10 (Extreme) and is part of the Irish Ultra Championships and the Munster Ultra League. The field is limited to 100 runners and the race has a 37-hour time limit. Entry fee is €80.
Course, support and cut-offs
Main aid stations are located at Allihies village (14.5 km and 44.5 km), Eyeries village hall (59.5 km), Lauragh church car park (87 km), Glengarriff village hall (121.5 km) and Hungry Hill Campsite, Adrigole (139 km). Main aid stations provide first aid, toilets, hot drinks, water, soft drinks and snacks. Additional marshal water points are positioned at several other locations on the course. The organisers supply drop bags for runners and aim to return them to the start/finish area after the race, but delays are possible. Crews are allowed to support runners at the main aid stations. Cut-offs are set at intermediate aid stations; overall race cut-off is 37 hours.
Mandatory kit and rules
Mandatory kit is Level C - Advanced and includes waterproof jacket and waterproof trousers, hat or buff, gloves, whistle, charged mobile phone, headlamp and spare batteries, hi-viz/reflective upper layer, map and compass or GPS with the route, means to carry at least 500 mL water, emergency food, survival/foil bag or bivvy, tracker and the 2025 IMRA race number with next-of-kin details. Runners must carry the required items; random checks may be carried out and failure to comply can lead to denial of entry or disqualification. Prizegiving will take place in Castletownbere town centre. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.