Queen Maeve's

Event Overview

Queen Maeve's is a mountain running race scheduled for Sunday, 9 August 2026, at Knocknarea in County Sligo. The main race covers a distance of 6.50 km with a total ascent of 340 meters. There is also a short course option, which is approximately 4 km in length and follows the same route to the summit cairn and back; this route also serves as the junior course.

Race Details

The route involves two climbs of Knocknarea mountain. The first ascent begins at the main tourist tarmac car park and follows a marked path that diverges from the standard tourist trail. Runners traverse the northern side of the mountain, offering views over Strandhill and Coney Island, before making the first summit approach. After circling the cairn, the descent leads into a gulley before a second climb via the 'warriors' route. The final descent retraces the initial climb with a small variation near the finish to direct sprint finishes onto a safer trail surface. The route is fully marked.

Logistics

The event starts and finishes at the large Knocknarea Hill Walk Carpark. Registration for the event opens on Monday, 3 August 2026, and closes on Saturday, 8 August 2026. Entry costs are €7 for seniors and €5 for over-65s and under-18s. There is an entry limit of 250 participants. Prize-giving and refreshments will be held at the finish line in the car park.

Mandatory Kit

All runners must bring a specific kit (Level B Standard), which includes a waterproof jacket, hat or buff, gloves, a whistle, a charged mobile phone with an emergency number stored, and a foil blanket or equivalent. The actual kit to be carried during the race will be confirmed on race day based on conditions. Failure to have the required items may result in denied entry or disqualification. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.