The Reeks Mountain Running Festival 2024

The Reeks Mountain Running Festival took place over the weekend from July 12th to 14th, attracting mountain runners from all over the country to the weekend's base in Cronin's Yard. The festival featured five challenging races spread across three days.

Friday: Reeks Vertical 800

The festival kicked off on Friday with the Reeks Vertical 800, a gruelling race that demanded participants to conquer 800m of elevation over a mere 3km. The race saw fierce competition, with Ide Kelleher emerging as the top female finisher, followed by Deirdre O'Gorman in second place and Carol Finn in third. In the male category, Nick Hogan clinched first place, with John Paul O'Connell and Patrick Curley taking second and third places respectively.

Saturday: Reeks Skyline

Saturday's highlight was the Reeks Skyline race, a daunting 24-kilometre course featuring a staggering 2,400m of elevation gain. Ellen Vitting topped the female category, securing first place, with Anita Locke and Sorcha Kearney completing the podium. In the male category, Ben Mangan claimed victory, followed by Luke Weldon in second place and Gavin Byrne in third.

Sunday: Carrauntoohil Mountain Race

Sunday saw participants tackle the Carrauntoohil Mountain Race, a 17-kilometre course with 1,600m of elevation. Becky Quinn triumphed in the female category, with Esther Dickson and Siobhan Dineen finishing second and third respectively. Anthony Forristal led the male category, followed by Sean Quirke in second place and Henry Browne in third.

Sunday: 3 Lakes of the Glen Race and Cronins Yard Trail Race

In addition to the Carrauntoohil Mountain Race, Sunday also featured the 3 Lakes of the Glen race and the Cronins Yard Trail race. The 3 Lakes of the Glen race covered 9.6km with 600m of elevation. Faye O'Riordan took first place in the female category, with Alice Clancy and Patricia Ryan finishing second and third. Andrew Coughlan won the male category, followed by Patrick Kissane and James Dome.

The Cronins Yard Trail race, a 6-kilometre course with 200 metres of elevation, saw Lisa Marie Landers secure first place in the female category, with Amanda Fitzgerald and Caroline Reid taking second and third. Micheal McSweeney emerged victorious in the male category, followed by Patrick Cleary and Brian Farren.

The success of the Reeks Mountain Running Festival was made possible by a dedicated team of volunteers led by Robbie Williams. The event was lauded by participants and spectators alike as the highlight of the year, offering a perfect blend of challenging races and breathtaking scenery.

The next race in the IMRA Munster calendar is Craig Woods on Sunday, July 21st. This event marks the seventh race in the Summer/Autumn Munster Trail League, promising yet another exciting challenge for trail runners.

The Reeks Mountain Running Festival was a resounding success, highlighting the passion and resilience of the mountain running community. As the festival has now wrapped up, participants and organisers alike look forward to the next opportunity to test their limits.

Featured Image: by Matthew Branch