Galway Trail Running AC Announces Backyard Ultra: A Flagship Event for Connacht

Galway Trail Running Athletic Club (GTR AC) has officially announced the launch of its first Backyard Ultra event, set to take place on November 16th, 2024, in the scenic Kilcornan Woods. With a cap of 100 participants, the event has already generated significant interest, with only 30 tickets remaining after just one week of registration being open. The Backyard Ultra will kick off at 12pm on Saturday, November 16th, and the response has exceeded expectations.

Run Republic spoke with GTR AC Chairperson, Francis Kelly, who expressed excitement about the upcoming event and shared insights into the club’s ambitious plans.

"Tickets look to be sold out by mid-September," said Kelly, "which leaves us plenty of time to deliver the best event possible."

This event follows a successful internal trial held in July, which went off without a hitch. No changes to the course have been made, and the Kilcornan Walled Garden will serve as both the start and finish line. The Galway Backyard Ultra is part of a larger national competition, as it also serves as the Connacht qualifier for the 2025 All-Ireland Backyard Ultra Championship. The top 20 finishers will earn the chance to represent Connacht in the All-Ireland Final, where provincial teams will battle for the national title. Additionally, the individual winner will represent Ireland internationally.

One of the unique aspects of this Backyard Ultra is its timing. November was chosen specifically for the challenging conditions it presents. With long stretches of darkness, runners will face not only physical fatigue but also psychological and mental challenges that come with running through the night.

Kelly shared his thoughts on this decision: “It adds a different layer of difficulty to the race. Running in the dark can be disorienting and mentally exhausting. It will push participants to their limits.”

While the event promises to attract seasoned ultra-runners from across the country, GTR AC is encouraging runners of all experience levels to take part. "It’s not just for ultra runners," Kelly explained. "This is also for people who want to challenge themselves and perhaps complete their first marathon or half-marathon distance. We want to make trail running accessible to everyone.”

Participants are already signing up from all over Ireland, showcasing the event’s broad appeal. GTR AC has extended an open invitation to runners from other athletic clubs, hoping to foster a sense of community across the country’s trail running scene.

Having officially launched as an Athletics Club earlier this year, this Backyard Ultra represents a major milestone for GTR AC. It will be the club’s flagship event, with aspirations to grow it each year. “The aim of the club is to promote trail running in Galway, and this will be our flagship event annually,” said Kelly. “We want to push boundaries and see how far we can go. Hopefully, we’ll break records each year.”

The Galway Backyard Ultra is just the beginning. As part of the 2025 All-Ireland Backyard Ultra Championship calendar, it will be the first provincial qualifier of the season. Other provinces, Ulster, Munster, and Leinster, will hold their own qualifiers in the months leading up to the national final. The 2025 All-Ireland Final will take place in Dublin in mid-August.

2025 All-Ireland Backyard Ultra Calendar:

• Connacht: 16th November 2024
• Ulster: 15th February 2025 (TBC)
• Munster: 12th April 2025
• Leinster: 10th May 2025
• All-Ireland Final: Mid-August 2025 in Dublin (Date TBC)

The final event location rotates each year, with Ulster hosting in 2024, Leinster in 2025, and 2026-2027 yet to be confirmed.

With tickets selling fast, those interested in taking part are encouraged to secure their place as soon as possible. You can purchase tickets here: Backyard Ultra Tickets.

This event promises to be an unforgettable challenge, whether you're an experienced ultra runner or a first-timer looking to push your limits. The Galway Trail Running AC Backyard Ultra is set to become a fixture on the national ultra-running calendar for years to come.

Featured Image: Courtesy of Galway Trail Running AC