IMRA Beara Way Challenge 30K

🏞️ Beara Way Half Marathon – Cork 🏅

Experience the Beara Way Half Marathon, a challenging 30 km race featuring 1300 meters of ascent in the beautiful Cork landscape. With difficult terrain, this race offers breathtaking views of the Beara Peninsula, Bantry Bay, and Kenmare Bay. It’s perfect for runners seeking a tough but scenic half marathon.

📅 Date: Saturday, 17th May 2025
⏰ Time: 12:00 PM
📍 Location: Castletownbere, Cork

🎽 Event Overview:

Distance: 30 km

Climb: 1300 meters

Difficulty: Difficult

>500m ascent, >10km

Race Marking: Route fully marked

GPS Allowed: Yes

💸 Entry Details:

Entry details have not been added yet.

Entries for league events usually open a couple of weeks before the event.

🎽 Mandatory Kit:

Level B - Standard Kit:

Waterproof jacket

Hat or buff

Gloves

Whistle

Charged mobile phone with emergency number stored

Foil blanket, bivvy bag, or equivalent

The kit to be carried during the race will be confirmed on the day, depending on weather conditions.

Failure to carry the mandatory kit may result in disqualification.

📍 Route Description:
The race starts in Castletownbere town centre, heading out on tar road for 2.5 km to the Derrintaggert trailhead. From here, the course follows a fire road for 2 km before entering mountain terrain. Runners will follow the IMRA markers to the summit of Mish Kish Mountain, with stunning views of Beara, Bantry Bay, and Kenmare Bay.

After summiting, the route descends on the northern side, returning to the Beara Way to Urhan Valley. Following the Beara Way, runners will take the hill road to Knockoura Mountain, a 2 km uphill tar road before hitting more fire road and open mountain terrain. The descent from Knockoura takes runners back on the Beara Way towards Urhan, and eventually back to Castletownbere town centre.

This race offers a fantastic mix of terrain: open mountain, fire roads, and a small section of tar road, all while providing amazing sea views throughout.

🚗 Getting There:

Location: Castletownbere, Cork

Follow Google Maps directions: Castletownbere

The event car park will be signposted within the town.

🎉 Prizegiving Location:

Castletownbere town centre (exact location TBD).

Get ready for a scenic yet challenging half marathon on the iconic Beara Way, one of the most stunning parts of Cork! 🌊🏔️