NIMRA Granite Peaks Ultra 50k

Description:

NIMRA Granite Peaks Ultra 50k

County:

Down

Date:

Sunday 25th May, 2025

Time:

09:00

Climb (m):

3445

Distance (km):

53.00

Short Course Distance (km):

0.00

Event Difficulty:

10 (Extreme) - Extreme, >1,000M ascent or > 30Km

Race Marking:

- Only major junctions marked

GPS Allowed:

Yes

Leagues:

 

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

Route Description:

ENTRIES FOR THIS EVENT ARE NOW OPEN ,

ENTRY IS THROUGH the NIMRA 'sientries' WEBSITE BOOKING PLATFORM:

To ENTER CLICK HERE - - >SIEntries .

2024 Race results


ABOUT THE RACE

The Granite Peaks Ultra (50k)event starts at 9:00am on Sunday 25th May 2025 at Tollymore Forest Park, Bryansford, at the bottom of the hill to the rear of the Tollymore National Outdoor Centre (1.5km up the track from Race HQ - Tollymore Forest upper main carpark). From there it makes its towards Parnell’s Bridge towards the Kings Grave, and beyond to Trassey Track. The route continues up Trassey Track turns right once through the upper stile and heads for Happy Valley where it follows the track up to cross the Mourne Wall at the col between Meelmore and Meelbeg, proceeding in an anti-clockwise direction following the wall to the dam at Silent Valley.

The race will continue up the access road alongside the Silent Valley and Ben Crom Reservoirs climbing the steps and making its way to the Slieve Binnian summit, via the Slievelamaghan/ Binnian col where it will follow the Mourne Wall down to the track at the edge of Annalong Wood. From there it will go up the track past the Blue Lough to Slievelamaghan and make its ways to The Brandy Pad, via Cove Mountain and Slieve Beg. It continues in an easterly direction to reach the Mourne Wall at the foot of Rocky where it again will turn left towards the Bog of Donard before ascending Slieve Donard, Commedagh, Slieve Corragh and Slievenaglogh.

At which point it descends to Hares Gap before climbing up and over Slieve Bearnagh, climbing Meelmore before descending towards the sheep pen at the top of the Trassey Track. From there the route follows Trassey Track and back into Tollymore Forest, past Kings Grave again and on to the finish line at wooden hut below the Tollymore Forest main car park.

ROUTE AND PROFILE MAP:
GPX Files

TARGET TIMES FOR TRIAL: Men 6hr 25min Ladies 7hr 45min

Getting There:

From Belfast, take the A24 south to Clough Village, then join the A2 Newcastle Road. Just past Dundrum, the forest park is signposted to the right.

From Newcastle, follow the signposted route from the Central Promenade towards Bryansford Village. After about two miles the forest park is signposted on the left. Car parking is available in a set-aside area in the Forest, left turn just before Pay Station. Car share as much as possible. Further details in racer guide on the race website.

Juniors:

This is a Seniors only race

Early Start:

No early starts

Organisers Instructions:

PLEASE NOTE:

2025 Team Ireland representative opportunities

This race is a Trials race for the 25 September 2025: Canfranc World Mountain Running Association Championships

NIMRA are hosting the Granite Peaks Ultra (50km) on Sunday May 25th, starting at Tollymore Forest Park.

50k Ultra starts at 09:00AM

Drop bag location Ben Crom Dam (approximately 22km in)

For full details of the race, including course details, route maps, kit requirements and race entry links visit

Granite Peaks Ultra website

Prizegiving Location:

Tollymore Forest (upper main carpark) - Race Registration location and Race HQ