Benbulben (Luke's Bridge)
- Description:
- Benbulben
- County:
- Sligo
- Date:
- Saturday 29th June, 2024
- Time:
- 11:00
- Climb (m):
- 400
- Distance (km):
- 9.00
- Event Difficulty:
- 6 (2,2,2) - Moderate Terrain, 200M - 500M ascent, 6Km - 10Km
- Race Marking:
-
-
Only major junctions marked - GPS Allowed:
- No
- Leagues:
- West League
- Mandatory Kit:
- Level B - Standard
- Waterproof jacket
- Hat or buff
- Gloves
- Whistle
- Charged mobile phone with emergency number stored
- Foil blanket, bivvy bag or equivalent
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:
- The route is about 9 km in total length with elevation gain of around 400 m; see link for detail.
https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2304827?units=km
The first 2 km involves a gentle incline quickly leaving tarmac road to gravel trail and then to bog and grass at the foot of the ascent to the plateau. The main uphill section is a steep c.150 m climb to the plateau close to a stream. At the top of the climb, a marshal will direct you west (turning right as you come up to the plateau), the route continuing northwest along undulating terrain to the trig point marking the Benbulben summit and the marshalled turn-around point. Return along the same route from the trig point and on the descent take a turn to the west (not the same route you will have come up, will be marshalled) and follow a well-marked trail back to the road and the finish line.
Descending runners will have right of way on the returning route. The race route will be marked with IMRA markers and marshals at major junctions. There are dangerous cliffs in the vicinity of Benbulben; the route does NOT go directly to the cliff edges at any stage. The main ascent/descent is very steep and extreme care will need to be taken. Stay on the marked route at all times and follow the instructions of marshals. The short course is about 4.5 km, with the turn around point being half way up the plateau ascent. This is also the junior route.
- Getting There:
IMPORTANT NOTICE: All runners will need to register in Grange village at the North Sligo Sports Complex F91YX25.There will NOT be any parking or registration at race start at Luke's Bridge. A bus will transport runners the 5 km distance from Grange to Luke's Bridge. This is because there is a severe lack of parking spaces at Luke’s bridge, the area is popular for hikers and tourists and there are several farmers that use the narrow road to the mountain. There is ample parking at the sports complex in Grange and the large car park beside the playground. There will be at least two trips out and two trips back on the bus to cater for all.
- Organisers Instructions:
- Registration will open at 9:15 am and will close at 10.15 am. The 10:15 closing will ensure all remaining runners can board the bus and get to the start line in time for race director instructions. The first bus trip will depart at 9:45 am, the final bus trip will depart promptly at 10:15 am. The run will start at 11:00 am. EARLY START OPTION: There is an early start option. Runners with typically >160% of the winner's time should use the early start. Registration will close for this at 9:45 and the early starters commence their run at 10:30. In order to facilitate this, early starters must arrive at registration early and get the first bus (leaving at approx. 9:45) to Luke's Bridge.
Volunteers (Non-Running)
You need to have done 2 non-running volunteer roles in a calendar year to qualify for end of year prize
Volunteers (Running)
Check with race director if they have a need for people volunteering and running. Race directors need a minimum number of people available throughout the race to make the race work so non-running volunteers are preferable. While it can be helpful, volunteering in a volunteer and race capacity does not count towards qualifying for end of year prize
