Sugar Bowl

Sugar Bowl - Great Sugarloaf, County Wicklow

The event is a circuit and climb of the Great Sugarloaf in County Wicklow on Wednesday 27th May 2026. The route is fully marked and GPS use is allowed. The event is listed in the Leinster League and carries a difficulty rating of 7 (3,2,2). Trail shoes are recommended. Results will be posted on the event forum rather than the main results section.

Distances

• 9.00 km - long course, 575 m climb.
• 4.50 km - short course out-and-back, 180 m climb.
• 4.50 km - junior out-and-back.
• 1 km - Sugarloaf Challenge, up-and-down grassy slope.

Course and logistics

The long course starts near the Sugarloaf carpark and includes grassy banks, single track, technical trails, marshes, and steep climbs and descents. The long route follows an anti-clockwise loop that drops to the eastern side, climbs behind a GAA pitch on single track, passes motorcycle bumps, rejoins the western side, then ascends to the summit via new steps before descending the side facing Bray/Dublin and returning to the carpark. The short course is an out-and-back that avoids the summit but includes grassy and technical sections. Parking is in the field beside the Great Sugarloaf carpark; participants should follow parking directions.

Safety and kit

Mandatory Level B kit is required: waterproof jacket; hat or buff; gloves; whistle; charged mobile phone with emergency number stored; and a foil blanket, bivvy bag, or equivalent. All runners must carry the listed items; checks may be made and failure to have required items may result in denial of entry or disqualification. Registration for the Sugarloaf Challenge is in the field before the race. Participation in the Challenge without membership is not covered by IMRA insurance and children must be supervised. Prizegiving will include sandwiches and a raffle with donated prizes. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.