Tomies / Purple Mountain

Description:

Killarney Open Mountain race

County:

Kerry

Date:

Sunday 12th May, 2024

Time:

11:00

Climb (m):

867

Distance (km):

12.50

Event Difficulty:

9 (3,3,3) - Difficult Terrain, >500M ascent, >10Km

Race Marking:

- Route fully marked

GPS Allowed:

No

Leagues:

Munster Championship 

Mandatory Kit:

Level C - Advanced

• Waterproof jacket with integrated hood and taped seams
• Hat or buff
• Gloves
• Whistle
• Charged mobile phone with emergency number stored
• Foil blanket, bivvy bag or equivalent
• Waterproof full leg cover
• Means to carry a minimum of 500 mL water
• Emergency food
• Map of route/area
• Compass

All runners must bring the above items to the race. The actual kit to be carried during the race will be finalised on the day, depending on conditions etc., and clearly advised at Registration.

You should also have the means to carry all the kit in case required.

Failure to have the required items may lead to you being denied entry to the race, or disqualification. Random checks may be carried out.

Route Description:

Race route Description.

This race is open to experienced mountain runners with the ability to navigate the route safely with map and compass.

There are multiple steep cliffs which pose a danger of life or limb threatening injury.

Visibility is frequently poor, so please be aware of these hazards before entering.

there is a path for the entire route, however, it is very difficult to follow, due to thick heather, and does not alway present the quickest route. Multiple Cairns do no signify waypoints in this race

A. Commence along twisting gravel/muddy road through old golf course gradually climbing

B. Immediately as you exit Golf Course the path gradient steepens as you enter a cross roads of muddy farm tracks. At this Junction, keep Right of the deer fence taking the narrow, twisting single track path uphill along the Lower Slopes of Tomies. This presents a tight bottleneck that competitors will want to plan for - be out in front or wait behind.

C. Continue along this braided, muddy single track uphill in a southerly direction as you leave the deer fence behind, you are on the open mountain. In good Visibility you can see a steep embankment, to your Right, falling down to the River Loe, and straight ahead, the hulking Dome of the first Tomies Top with its Conical shaped Twin out behind

D. The gradient steepens sharply for a lung bursting climb on grass & heather climb to the top of Tomies spot height 568m

E. Upon reaching this point, gradually descend south, along the path into the saddle for approx 400m before picking up the well defined rocky path climbing steeply up Tomies Mountain immediately South / South East.

F. Once climbing Tomies Mountain competitors may choose their preferred route to the summit shelter on Purple Mountain. This signifies the Race halfway point.

G. Follow back the way you came to race start for a hair razing, leg burning descent Finish.

Route will be fully marked

Short course also available - 6km to Tomies North Top Spot Height 568m

Route map for Tomies / Purple Mountain Race 2022 by Conor McElroy on plotaroute.com

Getting There:

Driving From Killarney

A. Drive out the N72 (Killorglin Road)

B. Approximately 1km after the Hotel Europe, take the Left turn signed for Carrauntoohil (The Signpost is huge, you can't miss it)

C. Continue along this road for approximately 2.5km passing over the River Laune Bridge.

D. When you meet the Hard Right Turn (@ Tomies Cross) follow the road around to the right.

E. Continue for approximately 300m and take the Left up the Long Driveway (this Left turn will be Signed IMRA Race)

If you find yourself driving past the Hotel Dunloe, you have gone too far.

3. There is limited parking at the race start, please car pool where possible.