Carnaween
Donegal, Ireland • 23 May 2026
Carnaween Mountain Race
The Carnaween mountain running event takes place in County Donegal, navigating the terrain of the Blue Stack Mountains. The race is part of the Ulster Championship and the North West League. Participants follow a course that primarily consists of open mountain terrain on private sheep farming land, featuring a steep summit with loose rock.
The event offers two specific route distances:
- 7.80 km (Long Course)
- 5.00 km (Junior/Short Course)
The long course includes a total ascent of 514 meters. The junior and short course options follow an "out and back" format, utilizing the same path as the main race but turning back at approximately the 2.5 km mark. Race markings are limited to major junctions only, and the use of GPS devices for navigation is not permitted.
Safety requirements include a mandatory Level B kit for all runners. This equipment consists of a waterproof jacket, a hat or buff, gloves, a whistle, a charged mobile phone with emergency numbers, and a foil blanket or bivvy bag. Verification of these items may occur through random checks.
The event hub is located at Letterbarrow Football Club, which serves as the site for parking, registration, and post-race refreshments. The venue is situated roughly 15 minutes from Donegal Town. As the route crosses private property, participants are required to use provided stiles to cross fences and dogs are not permitted on the course. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.