Kerry Way Ultra

Event overview

The Kerry Way Ultra is a circuit event around the Iveragh Peninsula that follows the route of The Kerry Way. The full Ultra covers approximately 120 miles / 200 km and uses Killarney Racecourse for registration, start and finish. The event also includes shorter formats: 58 km (UltraLite), 101 km (UltraNite) and a team relay. Entrants to the full Ultra must hold the required qualifications - completion of two marathons, or one 50-mile ultra, or one 100 km ultra in the previous calendar year. Entry terms note no refunds or deferrals.

Route, support and rules

The route is point-to-point around the peninsula with multiple crew stops and planned bag-drop logistics. Competitors can use support crews at named stops and a committee-run bag drop for locations without crew access; some drop bags will not be returned. Approximate distances between crew stops are:

• Killarney to Lord Brandon’s Cottage: 24km
• Lord Brandon’s Cottage to Glencar: 22km
• Glencar to Glenbeigh: 14km
• Glenbeigh to Gortmore: 16km
• Gortmore to Waterville: 24km
• Waterville to Caherdaniel: 15km
• Caherdaniel to Sneem: 18km
• Sneem to Templenoe: 22km
• Templenoe to Kenmare: 15km
• Kenmare to Killarney: 25km

Mandatory safety gear is enforced at registration and by spot checks and includes a full waterproof jacket and trousers, head torch with spare batteries, paper route maps (OSI Nos. 78, 83 & 84), a charged mobile phone, a survival bag or blanket, whistle, basic first aid kit, hat and gloves, water and spare food. Trackers are issued and must be attached to the rucksack. Personal assistance along the route is restricted to designated crew stops. An Ultra brunch and prizegiving are held after the event. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.