Brandon Ridge Half Marathon
Forum Messages
| Author | Date | Message |
|---|---|---|
| Dáithí de Mórdha | Feb 14 2024, 12:23pm | I know it's a long time between now and October, but does anyone know what the course for this race will be, or even the start and end points? Time to start training! |
| Conor McElroy | Feb 14 2024, 3:36pm | Hi Dáithí The broad outline at the moment. The course will start at Mount Brandon trailhead from Ballydavid. Following the stations of the cross path up Summit Brandon Pick up the ridge along to the Conor Pass. Cross the road Pick up the Double track descending broadly parrallel to the Conor Pass Descend into Dingle town to finish. We'll post the gpx file on the event details Cheers, Conor |
| Dáithí de Mórdha | Feb 14 2024, 4:58pm | Excellent Conor, Sounds great, thanks for getting back to me |
| Michael McSweeney | Feb 14 2024, 10:59pm | Sounds like a great day out Conor. Few prayers to start with, then a proper mountain run in the clouds, nice fast downhill to the finish, followed by chips and fake Guinness. :-) |
| Rob Tobin | Jun 30 2024, 8:42pm | Conor, I will be i gCorca Dhuibhne next week and I'm hoping to squeeze in a recce while there. If there is a gpx that can be added in the event details that would be amazing. In case a gpx is not yet available, I've also made a stab at mapping based on the written description above. I'd be grateful if someone with good local knowledge could confirm if the route I've mapped is roughly in line with the race route - https://www.strava.com/routes/3192973658708414934. Many thanks. |
| Dáithí de Mórdha | Jul 1 2024, 4:46pm | That looks pretty accurate to me Rob |
| Rob Tobin | Jul 1 2024, 7:37pm | Thanks Dáithí. I will hope to give that route a lash next week then and all going well I'll be down to race in the autumn. |
| Dáithí de Mórdha | Jul 1 2024, 8:28pm | It's a great route. I'm thinking of doing it myself before the weekend and if I do I'll post the gpx here |
| Conor McElroy | Jul 1 2024, 10:32pm | Thats the one Daithí thank you. Fair play to you Rob and good luck Please note to anyone aiming to recce this route at the moment, the past week has seen an extensive search effort on the slopes of Mount Brandon over the past week for a missing Hiker, yet to be located. Mountain Rescue have publicly requested that the public leave them to carry out their work. Let us know how you get on |
| Rob Tobin | Jul 8 2024, 5:13pm | I got my recce in at the weekend, running at sightseeing pace and sightsee I did. This is a really spectacular route - a unique way to enjoy the iconic landscapes of Corca Dhuibhne. I was fortunate to be running in relatively still, clear conditions although Brandon was shrouded above 600m, with very low visibility along the ridge until I dropped down onto the saddle between Fallaghnamara and An Scraig / Ballysitteragh. I will admit to making a few minor nav errors along the way. Equipped with map, compass, homemade gpx and what could be called "ridgesense" I managed to course correct without adding any great distance or elevation each time. I managed to stay dry from the knees up and I beat the rain down to Dingle by 15 minutes. For anyone who is considering giving this one a go, I'd highly recommend both for challenge and scenery. With good conditions on the day this race will have our newest national park and scenes from Star Wars as its backdrops on either side. I might upload a few photographs I took as a teaser.. :D |
| Dáithí de Mórdha | Jul 8 2024, 7:49pm | 100% Rob - was up there today and it was stunning as usual. If anyone wants to try, The route I ran is here: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2678564?units=km It's just over marathon length from the Carpark at the foot of the stations in Baile Breac to the bus stop at the back of Garvey's Supervalu. Speaking of which, the Local Link bus will bring you from Dingle to Baile Breac for the princely sum of €2.50! |
| Michael McSweeney | Aug 30 2024, 8:52pm | I ran this last week with Mr Brown. Great route. Some climb in the first 3.5km. Most of the day was spent either in or above the clouds, with the wind coming straight from Merica. It should make for a great race. |
| Dáithí de Mórdha | Sep 2 2024, 4:09pm | Michael McSweeney Aug 30 2024, 8:52pm I ran this last week with Mr Brown. Great route. Some climb in the first 3.5km. Most of the day was spent either in or above the clouds, with the wind coming straight from Merica. It should make for a great race. The Dingle Food Fest is on that same weekend Michael, so you can get some pre-and-post race carb-loading done for yourself while you're back here! |
| Michael McSweeney | Sep 2 2024, 5:32pm | Looking forward to it. |
| Barry Murray | Sep 3 2024, 3:27pm | Hi Dáithí, , for the crew whatsapp group, please send your number to 083one800zero58. thanks |
| Barry Murray | Sep 10 2024, 9:36am | Brandon Ridge Half Marathon This race is now open for entry (It is entered twice on the events page, but don't worry, its just an IT issue and both work for entry). Registration will be in Dingle, at the pobal scoil (Pobalscoil Chorca Duibhne). Race start will be at the carpark at the base of Mt Brandon on the west side. (There will be a bus to take runners to the start). The route starts with the climb up to Mt Brandon summit, a long ridge trek across to the Conors Pass, followed by a descent down the valley back to the Pobal Scoil in Dingle. The ridge section is very exposed and often poor visibility so mountain experience is key. |
| Eoin Mac Mahon | Sep 10 2024, 2:13pm | Will there be a hat ? |
| Michael McSweeney | Sep 10 2024, 8:18pm | "Will there be a hat ?" It would probably blow away up on Brandon Peak. Maybe some sort of IMRA hat pin also? |
| Michael McSweeney | Sep 10 2024, 8:19pm | Or velcro tape? |
| Robbie Williams | Sep 10 2024, 9:02pm | The half series all have their own buff lads |
| Brian Mullins | Sep 10 2024, 9:11pm | Hats. Buffs. Nonsense! All you want is a big black pint of stout in Dick Mack’s at the end. |
| Eoin Mac Mahon | Sep 12 2024, 9:32am | https://youtu.be/qUijyUjR6FM?si=wAdKCx2xMBHyTNgN A great video about the versatility of buffs there now |
| Barry Murray | Sep 12 2024, 11:09am | Well Brian , we’ve just arranged that for you. Due to the unavailability of the Pobalscoil, we have now changed the registration/finish area to the back of Geaneys Pub ! This is opposite the Pobalscoil so there is no change to the route or parking arrangements. It just means you will finish in a pub , which I can confirm , serves lovely stout and Dick Mack’s brew ! |
| Conor McElroy | Sep 29 2024, 12:25pm | Good afternoon all We are putting out a call for more volunteers: An Experienced first aider* Course Marshalls Race finish volunteers We will have more details re local course to follow Please note the weather forecast at this at point is for difficult winter* conditions Thanks |
| ruth ní fhionnáin | Oct 2 2024, 1:35pm | Hello All Looking forward to the race on Sunday. I lost a red Silva compass doing a recce on An Gearán today. If anyone comes across this I'd be grateful. Perfect conditions and lovely views on the route today. GRM Ruth |
| John Leonard | Oct 4 2024, 11:43am | Hi, The cut off for registration was a complete oversight for me I was thinking it would be Saturday, no chances of opening again? Sorry! |
| Barry Murray | Oct 4 2024, 3:39pm | An email with all the race details has been sent to all participants. John - Conor will be in touch. |
| Robbie Williams | Oct 4 2024, 4:14pm | URGE ALL RUNNERS TO READ KIT LIST IE: no foil blanket allowed only Bivvy bag etc No start for those without full kit Guys all Runners of imra races should have full Kit c in car so can pull from it at will Best option |
| John Leonard | Oct 4 2024, 5:42pm | Trying to register here, but it's not allowing me. Please help. |
| John Leonard | Oct 4 2024, 5:46pm | 0876249856. |
| John Leonard | Oct 4 2024, 7:37pm | Everybody's clocked out for the evening I guess! |
| David Mullins | Oct 4 2024, 7:38pm | Does anyone know where in Dingle we could get a Bivvy Bag tomorrow (Saturday) and other items for the Mandatory Kit ? |
| John Leonard | Oct 4 2024, 7:44pm | David Mullins, Mountain Warehouse in Tralee if your coming that way. |
| Michael McSweeney | Oct 4 2024, 7:52pm | David, Bivy Bags are for sale in the IMRA Munster Van. |
| Joanne Ni Shuilleabhain | Oct 4 2024, 9:35pm | Bivvy bags at MacEoin Merchants, Ballyhea - west of Dingle. 06691500615. They're open til 12.30 tmw. |
| Conor McElroy | Oct 4 2024, 9:46pm | Good evening all Race participants please note that you should have received the pre race email this evening. Please post here if you have not received it in your inbox or spam Main things to note: 1. The mandatory kit exceeds level C with x2 additional items : A. a bivvy bag / survival bag is necessary. A foil blanket is not sufficient B. An extra upper body insulation layer such as primaloft jacket / fleece is mandatory 2. The race route plus the changeable weather forecast will make this a challenging event. Unfortunately this event is not suitable for beginners to mountain running due to the route crossing steep broken ground, often in close proximity to cliff edges for long periods with the probability of poor visibility and high winds. (As of 9.30pm this evening met.ie indicates that the orange weather alert expires midnight Saturday) All volunteers - firstly thanks for signing up! Please report to race registration at 8.30am and bring clothes suitable for a day in the mountains prepared for winter conditions Soup, sandwiches, pints and hot whiskeys await at race finish back in Geaneys pub |
| Sorcha Kearney | Oct 5 2024, 7:16am | Would a thermal base layer be suitable instead of fleece? |
| Conor McElroy | Oct 5 2024, 9:51am | Hi Sorcha yes a thermal base layer will be accepted |
| James Brown | Oct 5 2024, 1:59pm | Apolgies if its a stupid question! But the fleece/extra layer is that to be worn or as dry kit carried incase of an emergency? |
| Conor McElroy | Oct 5 2024, 7:43pm | Hi James. No such thing as stupid questions at this stage You can either wear it or carry it. See you tomorrow Regards Conor |
| James Brown | Oct 5 2024, 7:52pm | Thanks Conor see you tomorrow |
| Michael McSweeney | Oct 6 2024, 6:43pm | Míle buiochas le Conor, Barry agus an meitheal go leir inniu. Ràs den scoth a bhí ann. |
| Robert Cunningham | Oct 6 2024, 8:53pm | Thanks Conor, Barry andl the team of volunteers for a brilliant race. Dingle is far away for most people but by God it was worth the journey down. This course is amazing and definitely should go on everyones to do list. |
| Kristen O'Sullivan | Oct 6 2024, 9:19pm | Thanks so much to Conor, Barry and all of the volunteers for a truly Epic race. I think this one was my favourite so far (apart from Beara obviously ;) )and that says a lot! What a route, absolutely worth the trip. Thanks again! |
| Conor O'Mahony | Oct 7 2024, 11:07am | Thanks to everyone involved in making yesterday's race happen. It was my first IMRA race, and I was really impressed with the organisation, the route marking, the marshalling and the catering at the finish. Hope to be back for more! |
| Barry Murray | Oct 7 2024, 11:56am | Well done to everyone who completed the first Brandon Ridge Half Marathon yesterday on what was thankfully a pleasant fairly clear day ! Like all big mountain IMRA races with a different start/finish, there was a bit more planning/prep needed than average. It needed 2 x RD's (with Robbie W as our guide) so thanks to wingman Conor McElroy. We had a local on the ground who helped us with lots of the logistics, so thanks to Daithí de Mordha for not only that help but who was also the sweeper and demarker on the day. It was a course that needed a few marshals that didn't mind being high up in the wilderness for a few hours so thanks to Paul Gallagher, Carol Finn and Stephen O Keeffe for that. Nick Hogan was up in the early hours to mark the course and also marshall for a few hours too so hats off. IMRA stalwart Alice Clancy made the trip down from the east and was with Nick in the early hours marking the course and then set up her first aid camp for the rest of the race. We had the reliable Munster crew with the van and all the kit so thanks to Rob C and Michael Mc. Thanks to Lianne then who is injured but manned the registration and finish. Top 3 Men: 1. Henry Browne 2. Brendan Joy 3. Martin Hennessey Top 3 Women: 1. Anita Locke 2. Ellen Vitting 3. Kristen O Sullivan Full results will be posted later today. |
| Brian Flannelly | Oct 7 2024, 6:58pm | Results are now up for this event - any questions/queries on them, please email: brian <dot> flannelly <at> imra <dot> ie |
| Declan Cunningham | Oct 7 2024, 10:36pm | Thanks to Conor amd everyone involved in this. So well organised, marked and marshalled. It was my 1st IMRA race in 10yrs and was well impressed. Totally dodged a bullet with Storm Kirk the day before too. I may have to do another one now! |
