MTC Pooka

Event overview

The MTC POOKA is a one-day ultra running event held on 7th May 2027. The race distance is 38 miles and it is Day 1 of the MTC MizMal® fourteen-day end-to-end of Ireland. The route mostly follows the MizMal® line provided by Wild Atlantic Cycling and finishes at the Eccles Hotel, Glengarriff. The published ascent is 830.8 metres and the descent is 892.5 metres. This is the first edition of the MTC POOKA.

Logistics and rules

The race starts at Mizen Road, Cloghane, Goleen and has three official checkpoints located at about 8.7 miles, 17.5 miles and 27.1 miles. Competitor numbers are limited to 20, with an additional allowance of 20 MizMal® entrants, giving a maximum of 40 starters. All entrants must be 20 years or over on the start day. Entry fees are listed as £90 for the standard entry and £155 for a Plus Race Package that includes an embroidered race shirt and a lightweight hi-viz jacket (clothing orders must be placed at least four weeks before the event to guarantee supply). All payments are non-refundable.

Competitors must carry mandatory kit, including a backpack, head torch with spare batteries, route maps, compass or GPS, whistle, mobile phone, basic first aid and an emergency food pack. The event is cup-free; runners must bring a reusable cup. Organisers provide tracking devices to entrants and will issue route maps and GPX files to competitors prior to the event. The race enforces a minimum average speed of 4 mph; falling below this threshold may result in withdrawal. Finishers receive a POOKA medal and male and female champions receive trophies. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.