On Saturday 11th February 2017, mountain runners from around Ireland will arrive in Kealkil for the very first running of the Slí Gaeltacht Mhúscraí Ultra Trail Race. The race will follow the route Beara-Breifne Way for 70km, and that evening finish at West End in Millstreet.
The race is a fully way-marked trail that covers just over 70km of this route (with approx. 2000m climb), running along the Beara-Breifne Way between Kealkill and Millstreet. Runners will cross the Sheehy and Derrynasaggart mountain ranges over a variety of tough open mountain terrain, forest trails and quiet country roads.
Full information on the race is on the Slí Gaeltacht Mhúscraí Page
The last section (from Ballyvourney to Millstreet) after they have already run 47km is described here:
“Stage 4: Ballyvourney to Millstreet 23.4km, 780m climb
The final stretch of the Slí climbs steadily out of Ballyvourney and up into the Derrynasaggart mountains, skirting Mullaghanish with its 220m high transmitter (the 4th tallest structure in Ireland). Here the Slí is relatively inaccessible to vehicles and we will have an unmanned aid station (water / jellies) approximately 6km into the stage where the Slí crosses the road and climbs up the side of Carrigrathduff (south part of map #5). In contrast to Stages 2 and 3, this Stage is mostly off-road on forest trails and fire roads, and passes through a wind-farm. Tired runners will have to keep their eyes peeled for the way-markers at the many forest road junctions – a true test of concentration with 50km+ already in the legs. About 6km from the finish, the Slí re-joins a country road before branching off and contouring around the north side of Claragh mountain. There are a number of short, looped walks in the area but runners should stay true to the signposts for Slí Gaeltacht Mhúscraí. The final stretch drops through the trees and exits the forest with a sharp right turn onto a country road that ascends gently towards Millstreet town. The race will finish just outside the Centra shop, with showers/toilet facilities available in the GAA club across the road.”
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Maps of the entire route can be accessed on the Sport Ireland Trails website:
http://www.irishtrails.ie/Trail/Sli-Gaeltacht-Mhuscrai/640/
Full route information is here:
https://www.facebook.com/notes/sl%C3%AD-gaeltacht-mh%C3%BAscra%C3%AD-ultra/route-information/234624680318467
