Trooperstown and Clara Vale Loop

Event information

Trooperstown and Clara Vale Loop is scheduled in County Wicklow on Sunday 26th April 2026. The course distance is 21.50 km with 750 m of climb. The event difficulty is rated 8 (2,3,3) - Moderate Terrain, over 500 m ascent and over 10 km. The route is fully marked and GPS devices are not allowed. The race is part of the Leinster Half-Marathon League. The start and finish are at the bridge beside the carpark. The carpark is a short walk from the start/finish; grid reference for parking is T 158 969. A prizegiving will take place at the finish area. An early start option is available to runners with a typical 160%+ runtime.

Route and safety information

The course begins with an out-and-back section over Trooperstown Hill before a clockwise loop over Boots Hill down to Clara Vale. Key navigation points include a junction of large tracks, a left turn into a gap after a short descent, and a pedestrian entrance to a nature reserve where local signage should be ignored and tape followed. There is a fireroad section, a smaller trail around 11.6 km, and a small gap onto the road near Clara church at about 14.3 km. The water station at the forest entrance is at about 16 km and is for refills only. After the water point the route climbs on fireroad and then returns via the green road to rejoin the loop and finish.

Mandatory Level B kit must be carried: waterproof jacket, hat or buff, gloves, whistle, charged mobile phone with the emergency number stored, and a foil blanket or bivvy bag or equivalent. The final kit to be carried may be confirmed at registration. Runners should be able to carry the kit; missing required items may lead to denied entry or disqualification and random checks may be made. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.