Knockmealdown Half
Comeragh Mountains, Ireland • 4 Apr 2026
Knockmealdown Half
The Knockmealdown Half is a mountain running event held in County Waterford. This point-to-point race covers a distance of 21.00 km and features a total climb of 1112 meters. It is part of the Munster Half-Marathon League and is classified as having extreme difficulty due to the significant ascent.
The route is fully marked, and participants are permitted to use GPS devices. The race begins at the Liam Lynch trailhead, where runners head west along the northern slopes of the Knockmealdowns Toward the Vee. From there, the course ascends the back of Sugarloaf to reach the famine wall at the ridge. Runners follow this wall to the Knockmealdown summit and proceed toward Knocknafallia. After ascending Knocknafallia, the course descends southward toward the Abbey, where the finish is located.
As this is a mountain event, a mandatory Level C advanced kit is required for all participants. This kit must include:
- A waterproof jacket with an integrated hood and taped seams
- A hat or buff and gloves
- A whistle and a charged mobile phone
- A foil blanket, bivvy bag, or equivalent
- Waterproof full leg cover
- Means to carry 500 mL of water and emergency food
- A map of the route/area and a compass
Participants register at the Abbey and are then transported by bus to the start line on the north side of the mountains. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.