**Wicklow Way Race**
Forum Messages
| Author | Date | Message |
|---|---|---|
| Rex Brillantes | Mar 16 2025, 4:05pm | Hi. Are results can be use for UTMB RACES? Just asking because cannot find it in my trail results UTMB index. Thank you |
| Lillian Deegan | Mar 22 2025, 11:38am | Hi Rex, Pól O’Murchu is due to upload to the UTMB site. Feel free to check back in again if you don’t see them in a week or so. Lillian |
| Alex Lee | Mar 29 2025, 10:54pm | Hi, when will purchase be possible for this event? |
| Lillian Deegan | Mar 29 2025, 11:03pm | Hello Alex, Entries will open about a month or so in advance of race night. I’ve a few odd bits to tidy up on the event page. I hope to reach on all that jazz in the next week ish. Keep an eye out for updates on here. Thanks, Lillian |
| Paul Flynn | Apr 1 2025, 12:46pm | Hi Lillian, For those of us planning our summer holidays around this race, is the July 18th date set in stone? Thanks, Paul |
| Lillian Deegan | Apr 1 2025, 5:28pm | Hello Paul, I know of no issues around a need to review the date. Saying this in the hope I have the various permits signed off on for July 18th this year. Good luck making the decision for your best kind of downtime :) Lillian |
| Paul Melville | May 20 2025, 12:51pm | Hi, Was just wondering whether this will be any transport available for this event? It appears in the past people have organized mini buses from start/finish. |
| Lillian Deegan | May 20 2025, 1:39pm | Hello Paul, Yep, a bus from Marlay Park will likely be organised to run down to the Clonegal start line. I’ve been really really lucky in recent year’s with my deputy RD taking charge of the prep for this aspect of the event. So… Afternoon IMRA folk, Thanks a lot to those who have hopped in already to help on this 80 miler. Fair play guys! Anyone fancy taking on DRD for this gig. I can promise the 20 odd hours + of racing will fly by ultra fast. And with thanks to Joe O’Leary at Lauragh on the Beara last Friday night, I’m gonna ask the money man at National can I buy tonnes and tonnes of incense sticks for Avril & Mick H’s aid stops They work an absolute treat keeping the midges away off. |
| Micheal McSweeney | May 20 2025, 2:06pm | Ah Lillian, They didn't have the incense burning to keep away the midge. That was just a secondary benefit. ;-) |
| Lillian Deegan | May 20 2025, 11:09pm | Oh now Michael, the whiff took my breath away leaving me speechless for a bit. I kid you not :) So WW Race day hopefuls, the race page has been updated. • The shop will open on June 4th and close on July 4th. • We have an extra ask in here this year on Support Runners - a need for them to be IMRA members for insurance purposes. Along with mention of any participant who takes a support runner from Glendalough onwards not being in contention for a prize. I’ll get other odd bits ‘n bobs posted in the coming weeks. Something to consider for the immediate - if you are looking for a nice handy last long race jaunt, the Tucker is a great option. The shop for GTT is open at the mo and will close in a few days. Once it’s closed, it’s closed. Trackers and the like need to be finalised ahead of event day by the RD and his team. All the best with your race prep for July 18th folks. Lillian (& my silent DRD for now) |
| Eamonn Hodge | May 21 2025, 2:21pm | Hi Lillian, Is it still a 9pm start even though it's in the summer? I'm hoping to be able to enter this year. Eamonn |
| Lillian Deegan | May 22 2025, 1:18pm | Hola Eamonn, Yep, gun time of 21h it is for sure. Main reason would be due to Marlay Park closure times along with me not wishing to have our volunteers drive home feeling whacked akin to the runners with 80 milers in their legs. Having an 18h course closure time feels more reasonable I’d be thinking. It’s been a good few year’s since we’ve had the midnight gun time. Back then we used to get a special dispensation from the park rangers for our after hours needs kinda jazz. These days getting special allowances in odd spots feels like a trickier ‘n trickier business. Even last year with that the film crew on site same time as us, made our access and exiting permissions a tad difficult for our helpers. I’m all about keeping everything as simple as I can atall for all of us. It’s great to hear you are looking to give the south/north route another rattle - whoop whoop! |
| Lillian Deegan | May 30 2025, 1:45pm | I see we’ve got ourselves a DRD for this one - thank you very much Conor ;) We’ll got down to the big prep jazz in short. Aideen B - great to have you about the volunteer team too - thx a mil. Our shop opens for entry on June 4th at 9am and will close on July 4th at 18h. As far as I know for now, we’ve only one major diversion on the race route ATM. When up about the Mucklagh area a few weeks back, the 2 forestry harvesting site notices said works were due to complete at the end of May. I’ll tip back up over the next two weeks to be sure. Rowan at Primal Tracking reviewed the race route with me this week and I’ll stick it up here once I’m sure the forestry works about Mucklagh are complete. And lastly for the mo - Conor and I will look at transport options from Marlay Park for the Clonegal start mat to update on here in a bit. Keep an eye out for news over the coming week's. Enjoy the long weekend everyone. |
| Mick Hanney | May 30 2025, 7:18pm | Mucklagh diversion still in place. I spoke to a guy there and he suggested they should be out of there in a week or so. I'll update here. |
| Rex Brillantes | Jun 5 2025, 3:25pm | Hi. Is the registration open for the Wicklow way. Thank you |
| Paul Flynn | Jun 5 2025, 4:34pm | Hi Rex, Yes it is open. 30 people have registered already. You should be able to purchase an entry by going to the MEMBERSHIP / SHOP / ONLINE ENTRIES link at the top of this page. |
| Lillian Deegan | Jun 8 2025, 11:48am | **Route Update** With the Glendalough Tucker Trail successfully done and dusted for another year, I’m on to give an update on the Mucklagh Wicklow Way route diversion with thanks to Sarah Kearns. I’ve a screenshot of the Coillte works notice popped up in the photos on here. The Mucklagh fire road diversion will be in place for our race unfortunately. To add to that diversion - we will also have a slight change of route as you drop into Glendalough heading down by the Poulanass Waterfall. This one is more direct. A fallen tree has the steps section by the waterfall closed off. You will simply follow the pathway on the left down to meet the WW trail off the lake pulling a right to head for the aid station off the Green Road. I will get the race route link sorted to match these few route changes and share it as soon as I can. |
| Michael MC Sweeney | Jun 8 2025, 9:40pm | Hi hoping to sign up and im just wondering about the earlier mentioned bus from marlay to the start line. Do I need to sign up for that aswell or how does it work. Cheers |
| Conor O'Farrell | Jun 9 2025, 10:31am | Hi Michael I am currently looking into the bus option. Busses seem to be sparce for that weekend, so trying a few options. I will update on here when I get some confirmation. Con |
| Paul Flynn | Jun 9 2025, 10:49am | Between the two diversions it seems the course is nearly 2km longer this year. I presume the Mucklagh diversion isn't going to affect the checkpoint, and it will be in the same location as last year? |
| Lillian Deegan | Jun 9 2025, 11:23am | Hey Paul, Yep - the CP off Ironbridge is by the barrier just up from the river Ow - same as has been for the past few years. We get better phone and tracker coverage with this bit of height about there. On the extra distance mention - one would be hoping that it don’t become more than 2k plus I’d be saying. A real good reason for all runners to know how to read the route on mandatory kit map. And with this said - marking the known diversions in pre-race might well pay dividends as night turns into day for the many who will be hitting the Mucklagh area as daylight breaks. |
| Mick Hanney | Jun 9 2025, 11:25am | Thats the plan Paul, subject to confirmation from Lillian. While parking is tight at that CP it has the advantage of phone coverage, whereas Ironbridge (down the track) has zero coverage and the added risk of midges attack! |
| John Murphy74 | Jun 9 2025, 12:10pm | Having recceed the first half last Friday night I can confirm that the midges are in full frenzy down at IronBridge! The diversions themselves are handy enough, the 2nd one is actually very nice and scenic and takes out some fire road. Whata a couple of k's extra at that stage ! |
| Conor O'Farrell | Jun 12 2025, 11:27am | Hi All So, following up on the bus request. We have a 30 seater bus booked to go from Marley Park to Clonegal for registration and race start. TICKET MUST BE PURCHASED FROM THE SHOP. Cost is €20 per person FYI, if we do not get enough interest initially, we will have to downsize the bus. So don't hedge your bets and hope to get a ticket late in the day. Regards Conor |
| Siobhán Kennedy | Jun 12 2025, 12:05pm | Hi Conor, Just checking can we register in Clonegal as well or is registration only in Marlay Park? Thanks, Siobhán |
| Conor O'Farrell | Jun 12 2025, 3:09pm | Hi Siobhan Sorry, just to clarify. I misspoke earlier. Registration will happen in Clonegal. Expecting the bus to leave no later than 7pm, but time will be confirmed closer the date. Con |
| Peter Kehoe | Jun 13 2025, 10:04pm | Hi, just wondering if there's a gpx of the route? Thanks Peter |
| Andy Keeling | Jun 14 2025, 6:27am | https://www.plotaroute.com/mobile/route/2967291 Gpx of route South to North. I think this is right and the detours are correct. The bit in glendalough by the waterfall and the fallen may be slightly different but it should be well signposted there. |
| Paul Flynn | Jun 17 2025, 11:24am | Andy, I believe the Glendalough bit is indeed slightly different: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/3014718 But as you said, it is well signposted, and with it being July this year everybody should be reaching Glendalough in daylight. |
| James Heggie | Jun 21 2025, 2:13pm | Recce ? Would anyone be interested In meeting up for a recce from start point to CP1 to check route & pacing , if we had a cat drop at Dying cow it would be brilliant ? It would be perfect to do a 9pm start as well ? Email is jamesie1014@gmail.com? |
| robert byrne | Jun 23 2025, 12:19pm | James, text me on 0851849011 and we can organise recce with car drop. Rob. |
| Lillian Deegan | Jun 25 2025, 11:21am | Morning all, On with a reminder- the shop for this one closes next Wednesday at 18h. The shop for transport from Marlay Park to the start line also closes next Wednesday at 18h. .............................................….. Mandatory Kit list as follows: .............................................….. * Waterproof jacket & waterproof trousers * Mobile phone - battery fully charged. IMRA Emergency No. to be saved - (087) 261 7599 * Head Light and spare batteries (or two head lights) * Hi-Viz top or reflective armbands or a flashing red light to be seen by other road users * Map of Route & Compass. Watches can be worn as extra backup * Food & Drink * Whistle * Gloves & Hat/Buff * Long sleeve top * Foil Blanket * Tracker - collected at sign-in. * Cup/bottle - no cups will be provided at check points Registration will be at the start line in Clonegal from 19h. All drop bags need to be clearly labelled and tied closed- your name or IMRA No. should be on there. Along with the CP the bag is to go to. Please refer to the event page for disposable CP bag options. |
| Lillian Deegan | Jun 25 2025, 11:32am | Apologies - I’ve noted Wednesday next by accident. The above should read - the shops for race entry and transport close on Friday, July 4th at 18h. |
| Lillian Deegan | Jun 25 2025, 11:47am | Last msg for the mo - I’ve popped up two pics of race merch. These can be purchased for €30 on race night with payment via card/ the SumUp machine. I’ve a limited number of each colour. First come, first served. |
| Patricia McLoughlin | Jun 25 2025, 11:48am | Recce - Anyone interested in carpooling for a recce from start in Clonegal to Iron bridge or Glenmalure on Friday night June 27th? There's 2 of us but trying to avoid the drive back down to the start. Thanks. |
| Mick Hanney | Jun 25 2025, 1:26pm | Hi Patricia, I am not doing the race but live not far from Ironbridge so would be happy to pick up at Ironbridge and drop to Clonegal to facilitate a recce if that helps. 086 eight 53 955 four. Regards, Mick |
| Patricia McLoughlin | Jun 25 2025, 6:43pm | Mick, Thanks so much for the offer but we got sorted ourselves now. THANKS. |
| robert byrne | Jun 26 2025, 7:20pm | Looking to do a recce this Saturday, 9pm, Clonegal-Glenmalure, anyone interested? message me on 0851849011, ideally park one car in clonegal and one at glenmalure |
| David Jones | Jun 27 2025, 7:18am | Quick map question. Will a GPX and also the map downloaded to hiikr suffice? I have a laminated OS 56 and compass, but not the other two. |
| Lillian Deegan | Jun 27 2025, 10:44am | Morning David, I’ll need you to have physical maps of the entire 80 miles. Batteries on devices can easily deplete. Plus, the fully charged mobile phone is mandatory in case we or you need to get in contact for whatever reason. Full route maps in a plastic cover to keep dry and legible are a requirement. These maps can be done in sections and swapped out at the various checkpoints along the race route. |
| Paul Flynn | Jun 27 2025, 12:06pm | David, I use this booklet from EastWest, which has maps for the entire Wicklow Way. https://eastwestmapping.ie/product/the-wicklow-way-2/ (I have no intention of ever needing to use it as I have the route on my watch and phone, but rules are rules.) |
| Rachel Harney | Jun 27 2025, 1:42pm | Paul Flynn, Lillian, I also have that wicklow way map guide booklet that Paul shared the link to and just wanted to make sure that that is allowed by RD for use as the only map? It is 1:50k scale but has been working well for recces so far. |
| Rachel Harney | Jun 27 2025, 1:55pm | Another question/ observation please - we did a recce from tinahely to glenmalure last weekend. Regarding the diversion at mucklagh - the first part of it marked in green on the event page to stay on the road passing the Lodge is not marked on the ground. The first diversion sign on the ground is at the crossroads after you come around the bend (about 1/3 of the way along the green diversion). Will there be a diversion sign at the start of the green diversion on the night of the race? Thanks. |
| David Jones | Jun 27 2025, 3:02pm | Thanks Paul |
| David Jones | Jun 27 2025, 3:11pm | And thanks for clarifying Lillian. |
| Conor O'Daly | Jun 27 2025, 3:39pm | Does the below map printed and in a plastic cover suffice? https://visitwicklow.ie/wp-assets/uploads/2018/04/Wicklow-Way-Maps-Download-Print-Scroll.pdf |
| Martin Quish | Jun 27 2025, 8:59pm | Hey folks, thanks for all the great information. Can you tell me what I should expect at checkpoints - food/liquid wise? Or anything else that will be provided? thanks, Martin |
| Ger OToole | Jun 28 2025, 7:45am | Hi, anyone interested in a reccee on Sunday morning (29th), thinking Iron Bridge to Glendalough. |
| Lillian Deegan | Jul 1 2025, 10:12am | Morning all, Rachel, the map you queried is fine to use. And I will place one of our red IMRA arrows by the hut at Mucklagh to highlight that route diversion section. With regard to your mention of the Lodge - there will be a checkpoint at the Glenmalure Lodge, just off the crossroads. Runners return to the race route/ the crossroads to tip up the hill for Glendalough and onwards. Hope this answers your route queries. Come back to me on here if not. Conor, your linked map in a plastic cover is also acceptable. Martin, We will have water, squash mixers, coke. We will have hot water available from Ironbridge onwards. And food stuff will be fruit, hot noodles, crisps, jellies and some chocolates. |
| Rachel Harney | Jul 2 2025, 8:43am | Thanks a mill Lillian. I was referring to the lodge near the start of the diversion at Mucklagh but you've answered my question, thanks! |
| Mick Hanney | Jul 2 2025, 1:50pm | The Mucklagh diversion is pretty clearly marked. I will check it out again before the race and advise. I don't expect auxiliary IMRA marking is needed. |
| Peter Kehoe | Jul 4 2025, 1:14pm | Hi, just checking about the bus? I don't see it available to book from the Shop, is it sold out?? Thanks |
| Lillian Deegan | Jul 4 2025, 1:46pm | Hi Peter, I’ve asked Conor to send me on the shop link for the bus to Clonegal. One of us will stick it up here in a bit. The purchase option is there till 6 this evening. . |
| Lillian Deegan | Jul 4 2025, 1:54pm | Update on the bus - it’s available again there now in the shop Peter. |
| Peter Kehoe | Jul 4 2025, 6:36pm | Hi Lilian, maybe I missed the cut off as don't see the bus option in the shop now? |
| Mick Hanney | Jul 4 2025, 6:41pm | Hi, Update on the Mucklagh diversion. There is one in place but it has changed. See photo I have uploaded. The diversion bit highlighted in yellow. The steep track up from Mucklagh hut is now in play. There are decent diversion signs in place at the junctions. Cheers, Mick |
| Lillian Deegan | Jul 4 2025, 10:15pm | Thanks for that Mick. Peter, It does indeed seem like you missed it. We’ll keep in touch and see can we get you sorted with transport - no promises mind. I will be posting the participant listing in the next few days. You might know someone you could arrange a car share with. Will you keep an eye out on here. |
| Rachel Harney | Jul 4 2025, 11:32pm | Thanks for the update on the Mucklagh diversion Mick, that's great. |
| Peter Kehoe | Jul 5 2025, 7:03pm | Ok, thanks Lillian, I might run down instead :) |
| Dillon Ryan | Jul 6 2025, 8:51am | Has anyone got an official GPX file downloadable to garmin? I downloaded the GPX from the Wicklow Way Tourist website but upon further review...... I notoce the blue line in parts was not following the wicklow way part etc. Thanks |
| Raymond Cummins | Jul 6 2025, 8:40pm | If you are like me and used to battling cut offs, then just a small bit of information, from the start to Mucklagh is just shy of 53KM's. Going up from Iron Bridge to Mucklagh (Check Point 2) there is a short steep climb of about 700 metres which took 2 of us about 10 minutes to hike up. We ran it over 2 days this week. |
| Dave Docherty | Jul 7 2025, 8:08am | Dillon, Andy K posted a GPX link in this thread on June 14. Ray, cheers for the heads up. |
| Andrew Moore | Jul 7 2025, 12:25pm | Is there room for anyone setting up a little group zoom call to hear about the race? Some tips for what to do, and what not :) Any former Wicklow Way finishers want to join? What about you @Andy Keeling I always find a group call 10 days out can get the fires burning (even greater) |
| Sam Hand | Jul 7 2025, 5:30pm | Hi Just checking is there overnight parking available in Marley Park near the finish for people getting the bus down to the start? |
| Ewoud Van Ginderachter | Jul 7 2025, 6:03pm | Hi, Thanks so much for all the organizing that goes into this. I read at the start of the thread that the race would be counted towards UTMB Index races. Is that still the case (as it's not listed on UTMB site as of now) Thanks in advance. |
| Andy Keeling | Jul 7 2025, 8:21pm | Happy to join in a zoom call Andrew. Im a technophobe though and have so far managed to avoid using Zoom (yes, even during covid :0!) . But if you send me a link I'll try my best to work it out :) |
| Raymond Cummins | Jul 7 2025, 9:20pm | You can send me the link too, and if I can make it I will. I am always happy to share information about the race. |
| david yelverton | Jul 7 2025, 9:44pm | That sounds like a great idea Andrew. I would be interested in that. |
| Dave Docherty | Jul 8 2025, 8:27am | I'm be on for a zoom aswell. Try to gleam as much info as possible out of the veteRANS..... |
| Andrew Moore | Jul 8 2025, 8:40am | I don't want to hijack a forum with what time suits? Could I add a google form link to find a suitable time? I was thinking Monday evening 7:30pm? |
| Andrew Moore | Jul 8 2025, 8:53am | I am unsure when I post this if an outside link will work The below link is a form to either do a call on Thursday, Friday, Monday or Tuesday https://forms.gle/BK53Lb9b9xGekwzU6 I will post the survey results by Thursday morning, or when we have a clear favourite |
| Dillon Ryan | Jul 8 2025, 3:13pm | Trying to buy a decent head torch and of course as a newbie nighttime runner, theres so many options with regards "lumens" i.e the brightness. Is there any restrictions as to the max lumen level one can have attached to their heads so as to not to wake the hen harriers at 2am? The cheaper option by the looks of things will give you a good 10 feet of light i.e 100 lumens. Now, for someone who hasnt ran through the night, im not looking to light up the entire country side with a generator on my head but any recommedations for a good solid head torch that A) wont die after 1 hour and B) will give a good bit of solid lighting cheers |
| Andy Keeling | Jul 8 2025, 3:58pm | Hi Dillon. The petzl actik core is what I've used before. Not overly pricey, they usually have them in great outdoors. On the lower setting(100 lumens) it might just get you through the night in July but I have a spare rechargeable battery which also isn't too pricey which I bring along. The higher setting (600 lumens) has also come in handy on the extra technical sections but it only really lasts maybe 2 hours on that so I use it sparingly. It also takes aaa batteries so that could be a backup option if you don't buy the spare rechargeable battery. |
| Dillon Ryan | Jul 8 2025, 4:57pm | Super stuff!! Thanks for advice |
| Rob Tobin | Jul 8 2025, 5:35pm | Agreeing with Andy, you can't go wrong with Petzl. They do top quality headtorches and not just for those of us fecking about running night-time ultras. I've a Petzl Nao as my main - a bit pricier than the model Andy mentions - and I carry a 300 lumen torch from Decathlon as my backup: https://www.decathlon.ie/p/339061-281338-rechargeable-head-torch-300-lumen-hl500-usb-v3-black.html Maybe not as flashy (pun intended) as Petzl but the Decathlon torch is highly reliable and cost-effective. I got through the AON (long cold night in January edition) with just a couple of those. Running on asphalt or easy fire road I use the medium power (80 lumens, c.8 hours) setting to conserve battery. Also... we'll be running by the light of a half moon so a few extra lumens to be had if the clouds play ball. :D |
| Raymond Cummins | Jul 8 2025, 9:34pm | One thing I never do personally is to allow the weight of the torch affect my thinking (within reason) so my main head torch is Petzl Swift RL (1100 Lumens and about 7 hour battery span) and I have the Petzl Nao as a back up (or vice versa). In the middle of the night I don't want to be caught out trying to see the route. (I spend most weekends on some part of The Wicklow Way so know it pretty well at this stage.) There are stretches of it particularly on the roads where you don't need great light but I don't want to be thinking about not being able to see where I am going in the dark, especially if it it is your first time doing the race and perhaps doing a night run. :-) |
| John Murphy74 | Jul 8 2025, 9:48pm | I use the ledlenser mh10. It's heavier but at my speed that's not an issue. It's twice lasted the full night in October on full beam |
| Lillian Deegan | Jul 8 2025, 11:57pm | Hiya Sam, yep. Parking pre-race will be as before. And one of our ultra helpful volunteers will be about the park to assist and ensure everyone hops aboard the transport for Clonegal. Volunteers - comms for event night and day have gone out. If you have not seen same from me - give a shout on here and I’ll follow up. Runners - I will be sending out an email with race day information shortly. Keep an eye out as you manage your taper time :) And lastly, we are closed to entries for this year. No amount of reasons why or how we could take more is gonna open the shop again. |
| Lillian Deegan | Jul 9 2025, 12:54am | Participant listing: Jean-Marie Angibaud Rob Babos Fabio Baltieri Myles Barnes Denise Barrett David Barry Maksim Baykov Imogen Boaden Pavel Bodi Ciaran Boggan Ken Brereton Patrick Brunnock Brian Buckley Chris Buckley Cillian Byrne Robert Byrne Rory Campbell Christian Chiuzbaian Sarah Clarke Aidan Cleary Ian Conneely Liam Costello Ciaran Croke Raymond Cummins Dave Docherty Ross Donovan Neil Dowling Peter Doyle Ronan Doyle Kieran Duane Mark Ecock Niamh Fitzpatrick Jackie Fitzsimons Cillian Fleming Paul Flynn Sean Forsyth Deirdre Galvin Adolfo Garcia Fanny Gardyn Sam Hand Rachel Harney Derek Hay Stephen Hegarty James Heggie David Jones Carlos Justo Sarah Kearns Andy Keeling Dylan Kehoe Peter Kehoe Julian Kennedy Siobhán Kennedy Alex Kirwan Ivana Kolaric Liam Labuschagne Rui Lamy Keith Lane Ronan Lavelle John Lawler Raymond Lawlor Ivan Levkivskyi Conor Lucey Laurence Mahony Andreas Maly LOICK MATTANA Michael MC Sweeney Michael McCormack80 MICHAEL MCDONNELL Gregory McGovern Wayne McGuigan Martin McKenna Patricia McLoughlin Dermot Meehan Seán Meehan Brian Meskell Kevin Mooney Andrew Moore John Garry Moore Paul Morrissey Alexander Muhlwald Aoife Mundow Stephen Murphy John Murphy74 Seán Nickell Pierre O'Conghaile Mary O'Donnell Diarmuid O'Shea Conor O'Daly Aoife O'Donnell Raghnall O'Donoghue Paul O'Mahony Shane O'Neill Niall O'Regan Matt O'Reilly Gavin OToole Ger OToole Yan Pan Kazimierz Pawelczak David Power Martin Quish Eric Riordan Dillon Ryan Giraud Sebastien Thomas Shanahan Terry Shanley Olivia Sheerin Anthony Sheridan Philip Slattery Noel Somers Rob Tobin Ewoud Van Ginderachter Jim Walsh Robert Warman Tomás White David Yelverton |
| Andrew Moore | Jul 9 2025, 6:32am | For anyone curious on zoom call votes. 23 votes Thursday - 10 votes - 43% Friday - 14 votes - 61% Monday - 17 votes - 74% Tuesday - 13 botes - 56% Will close poll tomorrow morning and confirm call date. |
| John Garry Moore | Jul 9 2025, 9:49am | Good morning Lillian and thank you for all the hard work you put in year in year out on getting this fantastic event up and running. Just a quick question regarding the official and traditional WWR zoom call, do you have a date and time set? Thank you so much and looking forward to seeing you all on race day :) |
| John Garry Moore | Jul 9 2025, 9:50am | Good morning Lillian and thank you for all the hard work you put in year in year out on getting this fantastic event up and running. Just a quick question regarding the official and traditional WWR zoom call, do you have a date and time set? Thank you so much and looking forward to seeing you all on ra |
| Andrew Moore | Jul 9 2025, 1:06pm | Looks like Monday July 14 at 7pm is the most selected time. I am happy for any of the race organisers to take over this meeting, as I wasn't aware of an official zoom call. I will send a link around to all who used the form (above) and also post a zoom link on Monday evening shortly before call. Looking forward to hearing about other runners Wicklow Way experiences :) |
| Lillian Deegan | Jul 9 2025, 2:03pm | Hey Andrew, thanks a lot for taking the lead on gathering a group for a chin wag on all things good, bad and everything in-between ahead of gun time. All these kind of gestures help mightily in the greater scheme of things. I’m happy for you to continue as you are with your group chat and thanks again. I’m at odds to figure what end of the bed John Garry Moore rose from his slumber this morning with his official and traditional mentions. This event does not have an annual audience on zoom! I’m just back at the desk from a few down days and seeing Moore’s msg this morning- I was left thinking, crikey, I’d added a msg about an online meet-up over the past few days and forgotten… I hadn’t and thankfully my memory is in tact as is my work rota for next week. Ewoud hi, I’m looking into your UTMB index query. Will you bear with me for a bit for a reply. |
| John Garry Moore | Jul 9 2025, 2:11pm | Well Mrs Deegan the last 3 wwr’s I’ve done have had your official zoom call before the race :p all good regardless :) |
| Mick Hanney | Jul 10 2025, 3:30pm | Hi, Update on CP2. Location is same as previous years, for those who know. For those who don't, it will be at the top of track that rises up from Ironbridge. The CP will be where the track and the road meet. Sadly we won't have rotisserie chicken :-) The road section here is narrow. Please avoid parking on the road. Across the road from the CP is a forest gate that should be open to get any runner support cars parked in off the road. In terms of the diversion, it is well marked. It looks like it will be in place well into August. Runners continue up the road from CP2, turn into the WW fire road and at the next fire road junction you go right (instead of straight on). At the next fire road junction again, you go left and this brings you towards the Mucklagh hut. At that stage you are back on the WW proper. I hope that is clear. Regards, Mick |
| Fabio Baltieri | Jul 11 2025, 8:54am | Hi Lillian, I have an entry for the bus from Marley Park to Clonegal but I've since got offered a lift from someone else and won't need the bus transfer. Would you please let Loick Mattana use my spot on the bus instead? I'll forward any communication about it to him. Thanks, Fabio |
| Andrew Moore | Jul 11 2025, 2:02pm | Is there a bigger selection of rules for longer distance ultras available for the WW race? For example. Usually if you start with poles you must finish with poles? But I don't see the confirmed. |
| Lillian Deegan | Jul 11 2025, 3:46pm | Hey, hiya Fabio, I’ve not seen you in an age - I bet you are in great shape. I’m looking forward to see you give this one another fine rattle :) On the bus seat jazz, thanks for letting us know. We’ll make a note for Marlay, no probs at all. Andrew, nah, you can have poles for whenever you want. I’d suggest you pack them in your Mucklagh drop bag tho. You’ll not need them up to that point I’d be saying. But if you want to carry them for the whole race - fire ahead. And come ‘ere - you don’t know me (I think) but I love a good rule :) Runners, with an email gone out this afternoon, I’m on to ask will you check your inbox (and spam folder, just in case). The race day info. pack has gone out (two went out in fact, one for last year in error, and the right one for 2025 has since been shared. You’ll see mention of Glendalough to Glenmalure in there - you won’t be asked to race back to the Lodge - I promise. It’s north bound we’ll all be travelling next Friday night/ Saturday. The weather at the moment is giving a few showers and low cloud cover. With the best of luck, the rain won’t be too much for us to contend with and the clouds will be the bouncy see through kinda ones. If I’ve missed anything or you have any further odd queries - do give a shout here or by email. |
| Dermot Meehan | Jul 11 2025, 5:26pm | Hi All, I've been let down with my lift from Marlay park to the start. Are there any bus or car spaces available? TIA |
| Lillian Deegan | Jul 11 2025, 6:07pm | Hi Dermot, That’s a bummer. Hopefully someone will be able to give you a dig out. Failing that, we can stay in touch and figure something nearing race day. Peter Kehoe - did you get sorted transfer wise from Marlay? |
| Maksim Baykov | Jul 11 2025, 7:06pm | Hi all, I was wondering if there is anyone who could give me a lift from marlay park to clonegal. I didn’t realise there is a bus going from there and there’s no spaces left now. Thanks |
| Andrew Moore | Jul 12 2025, 12:34pm | For those without no bus ticket on the main WW race page there is a carpool available from Wayne https://www.imra.ie/events/view/id/2692 - scroll down to bottom I am guessing this includes pickups if you meet him on *his* route to Clonegal But thats me making assumptions :) ? |
| Ger OToole | Jul 12 2025, 8:06pm | Hi, will there be water available at Boranaraltry bridge? |
| Wayne McGuigan | Jul 13 2025, 10:50am | hi folks, As the goose says, anyones welcome to hitch the ride with me from newry, along M1 and M50 if it helps. but sadly i am getting the bus from Marley to the start. cant seem to edit the carpool to state that. |
| Andrew Moore | Jul 13 2025, 11:59am | Ah sorry Wayne! I never copped thats what you would be doing. Going to bus pickup :) *Quickly searches for the delete/edit post button* |
| Seán Nickell | Jul 13 2025, 12:19pm | I also seem to have missed the fact that a bus ticket needed to be purchased to get you to the start! I've no crew and leaving my van at Marley Park would anyone have space to get me to the start? Thanks Seán |
| Lillian Deegan | Jul 14 2025, 10:24am | Hi Ger, water will be available at the check points as per event page. I don’t plan on having water at the bridge near Glencullen. Crone Woods is where you should top up your fluid supplies to take you to the finish line. See you real soon for gun time. |
| Andrew Moore | Jul 14 2025, 2:12pm | The link to tonights zoom is call is below Topic: Wicklow Way Call Time: Jul 14, 2025 07:00 PM Dublin Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89588039473?pwd=exiuAORr4z2OKIoemwjgHwglptvOHJ.1 For anyone reviewing this late, this is not an official IRMA call, but it is a call with a few Wicklow Way previous finishers and hearing a few stories about how get on during the course. Call starts at 7pm. Join in when you can. |
| Jim Walsh | Jul 14 2025, 4:38pm | Thanks again Lillian et al for this event. I had a good trawl through the forum and info pack but I don’t see the link for the primal tracker. Could you post it please as otherwise I’ll be walking home : ) Thanks in advance |
| Lillian Deegan | Jul 14 2025, 5:30pm | With this being holiday season for many, you are going to haft to wait some more Jim. The tracker admin bits are not set up just yet. I hope to get information in the next day or so. The link will be posted on this forum as per usual. Andrew, good luck with your info. session this evening. Any odd bits that you feel need responding to from the gathering, please do feel free to give a shout on here or by email, whatever works easiest for you and I will pick up when I can. Cheers Ps - the bus for those with a paid up ticket leaves Marlay Park at 19h Friday evening. Parking for vehicles and the bus pick up point will be just off the Grange Road park entry area. |
| Andrew Moore | Jul 14 2025, 6:26pm | I will take notes and add any follow up in here later. |
| Lillian Deegan | Jul 16 2025, 1:42pm | Hi everyone, Re: Transport to Clonegal: Sean Nickell - I am having difficulty getting in touch with you. The phone No. you have on our site is not ringing through. It is missing a digit we think. Email’s sent following your transport ask from last week on here, have gone unanswered. Can you get in touch with me Lillian.deegan@imra.ie Guy’s - anyone on here know Sean by chance? |
| Dillon Ryan | Jul 16 2025, 2:34pm | Can someone confirm if its ok to leave poles in a drop back and pick them up along the way or must they be carried from start to finish? |
| Graham K. Bushe | Jul 16 2025, 2:54pm | Hi DIllon, please see Lillian's post 11th July. |
| Andrew Moore | Jul 16 2025, 5:48pm | Looks like we have a tracker with runners https://live.primaltracking.com/wwrace2025/ |
| Mick Hanney | Jul 16 2025, 8:49pm | Another reminder on the Mucklagh diversion. Some runners might be following a garmin track from a previous year's race. A previous year's track will not know about a diversion, so keep alive to diversion signage after you leave the Mucklagh CP above Ironbridge. If you don't take the diversion you could be running thru messy conditions from felled trees and machinery. |
| Seán Nickell | Jul 17 2025, 9:43am | Hi Lillian, just seen your email, it had dropped into my junk, yes I'm still looking for a lift from Marley Park to the start |
| Paul Flynn | Jul 17 2025, 11:54am | Hi All, I missed the Zoom call. Was anything of note discussed that's not already covered in the race info pack or in this thread? |
| Lillian Deegan | Jul 17 2025, 1:23pm | Only one more sleep till gun time - whoop whoop! Here’s hoping everyone is in fine fettle for tomorrow night. With all your trainer milers and route prep done, the best part is yet to come. No doubt the anticipation to get going is fierce right about now. My phone tells me ye will have a lovely mild weather run, we’ll likely have a bit of rain on and off but nothing too bad by the looks of it. I’m on with a few race day reminders and a couple of other odd bits that fellow runners have asked over email. Some might find them helpful too. And with thanks to a couple of eagle eye folk, I have the checkpoints in 1 to the Finish proper running order now. And so to the few odd bits - 1. Headphones: IMRA has a no headphone policy. This includes AirPods, earbuds, bone conduction headphones and the like. We need for all runners to aware of their surroundings for everyone’s safety throughout the event. 2. On your mandatory kit phone - You will be asked for your phone number at sign-in on Friday evening. And N.B. No airplane mode folks while you are racing. If you go off route, we won’t be able to call you if you have your phone in that mode. 3. Littering: Do your best not to leave a trace. We will have rubbish bins at the CPs where you can drop bits. And there will be collection bags a little out from the CP where you can drop your rubbish in as you climb out on the race route again. 4. Mandatory kit must be carried by you at all times while you race. If anyone opts to take a support runner from the nominated CPs/ within the given timelines - the runner must also carry their own kit. 5. Crews: Please park safely about each CP and please remember to be mindful of pubs, houses and hotels in the various areas. Try your best to keep noise at a reasonable level. We want to be able to come back next year to all the same spots. 6. Toilets: The Dying Cow/ CP1: This is the only spot for a sit down toilet moment you are gonna see over the early stage of the 80 miles. The loo is outside the pub so it’s not gonna delay you getting through the crowd inside. Friday night is summer session night at the Cow, it’s gonna be super busy before we even get there. The 2nd will be at the Lodge in Glenmalure. Wink sweetly at Mick Dowling and his CP crew and I’m sure they will show you the way in ‘n back out. 7. Mucklagh/ CP2: Parking will be near the CP barrier. If you have not already done so, open the race day info. pack and follow that google link to the CP. We will need everyone to be mindful of this little tiny road way. Our volunteer Fionn will be on location to help manage the parking for all crews here with Mick H and Co. 8. Drop bags: Please do a double check on which ones are disposable and which ones will be brought to the finish line for you. And lastly, I’ve pulled the following few general pointers from the info. pack as a quick reference. Race Bib Numbers: * Your 2025 race No. will be used for this race. If you have not collected it yet this year, your No. will be at Reg. Numbers must be worn for the entire race. Emergency contact No. is on the reverse of your bib. Please save it to your running phone for handiness. * Mandatory Kit: At registration, you will be asked to show random items. You must carry all the items listed below for the entire duration of the race. There will be random kit checks at check points during the event. If you are found not to be carrying all your kit, you will be expelled from the race and listed as a DNF (Did Not Finish) in the race results. * Mobile Phone: The phone is your first port of call if something should go wrong on the day. You need to always carry it and ensure the battery life is sufficient to last the maximum duration of the race, 21 hours. The IMRA emergency phone number +353872617599 is the number you should use during the event to contact the race director. If you cannot get a signal continue to try until you do. SAVE THE Ph. No. TO YOUR PHONE NOW to have it done. Do not send a text to this phone No. You will need to make a phone call if you get into difficulty. * Aid Stations: We will have water hot & cold, pot noodles, coke, mixed fruit, salty crisps, chocolate, and jellies at each check point but be sure your drop bags have all you would want. Ultra-runners have broad tastes in preferred race nutrition so, ensure you put what you are familiar with eating from training runs in your drop bag. * Support Crews: Runners can, and where possible should, have friends or family support them on the day at these checkpoints or other points but please be sure that everyone obeys the rules of the road, parks safely and if out on the roads make sure they are visible to other road users. If you do have support on the day, be sure to let us know as it may help us with supporting other runners. * Support should not be provided outside of the official race check points. This is to ensure that all runners have the same level of support available to them and those with outside support are not at a significant advantage to those without. No doubt I’ll have missed something. Do feel free to bang off a query if so. Nothing is too wild an ask for this gig. All our volunteers are eagerly looking forward to gun time too. Sleep real comfortably tonight everyone. It’s gonna be another fantastic WW Race night and day. |
| Donatas Jocius | Jul 17 2025, 5:31pm | Hello, I AM available to volunteer, if still need please send me info where I need to be ,available for full race at any place . Thanks. Donatas.jocius ETA Gmail dat com |
| Lillian Deegan | Jul 17 2025, 5:50pm | Hey there Donatas. Thanks a lot for the offer. I’m in the real lucky position of having enough help about the 80 miles as it stands. Started saying I’m good volunteer wise earlier this week. Having said that, as you have offered to to give me your time for anywhere for the whole race, I might well take the offer. Will you bear with me and I’ll give you a ring tomorrow D to finalise. If someone from my current event crew drops out, I’d love to have you slot in. I’ll ring you tomorrow. |
| Donatas Jocius | Jul 17 2025, 6:00pm | Ok will do. |
| Alan Kennedy | Jul 17 2025, 10:07pm | Prizes: Photo has just been posted up on the race page of the fabulous prizes that await our top three men & ladies and also the finisher prize for all. Made by Richard Healy: http://www.richardhealysculptures.com Best of luck to all the runners. |
| Pól Ó Murchú | Jul 17 2025, 10:34pm | Is the beer part of the prize…well I tell ya I’ll be kicking the wife out of them transitions pretty lively if so! |
| Rachel Harney | Jul 18 2025, 12:16am | Hi, just a question about the jackets, re. whats written in the race pack. Are the regatta jackets in a bag (you know the €40 ones) sufficient? I find it very waterproof, and the zips are covered by material. I have another jacket but it's bulky. Thanks. |
| Rob Tobin | Jul 18 2025, 1:17am | Rachel - I'm taking a little forum break here. Still packing drop bags at 1am... sure you know yourself. The requirement for "C" kit is a jacket with hood and taped seams. If Regatta's jacket in a bag ticks those boxes then you're good to go. Maybe worth bringing all options along to reg just in case? |
| Rachel Harney | Jul 18 2025, 10:38am | Thanks a mill Rob, Lillian got back to me, think it's all good! |
| Andy Keeling | Jul 18 2025, 10:43am | Is the bus departure time confirmed at 1900 this evening from Marley?? |
| Alan Kennedy | Jul 18 2025, 10:50am | Correct Andy, 7.00pm on the DOT. But joking aside I am doing check-in so anyone running late the please ring me on 086-6085374. |
| Lillian Deegan | Jul 18 2025, 10:54am | Thanks for that Rob. See you in no time Rach. Hup Andy - the day has come at last :) The bus will leave as planned for at 19h Hello all runners and crews, Meant to add yesterday Dunnes pub in Clonegal have given us access to their toilets for the duration of sign-in time tonight. This pub is beside the reg. area. And For Marlay Park on Saturday- we will have a few of our marker flags in place to highlight the WW Race path as you enter the park. Keep an eye out. Do not race across the grass for the finish. We would not want to be having to ask anyone to go back to the park entry point to correct your route. The tracker shows everything :) Conor has popped the tracker link up on the event page for handiness for everyone needing to access it. Good luck with the last of your packing for travelling to the start line. |
| Brian Hourigan | Jul 18 2025, 12:12pm | Hi folks. Firstly best of luck to all tomorrow (runners, volunteers, support crew). Secondly, inspired by the Western States Ultra certificates, I've designed a free and personalised commemorative certificate for all finishers and volunteers for this year's race. It's a digital print that you can use to print yourself or bring to a local print shop (It will print on any print medium in A4 format). If you'd like one just ping me a message at bthourigan [AT] gmail DOT com at any point over the next week or so with your name (and if you were racing/volunteering). Here is a link to the sample file - https://tinyurl.com/WicklowWay25Cert (there will be a few bits cleaned up etc). There is no cost, it's free of charge :) I'll add your details after the race and email you the file. I'll be sending them out over the next week and will have them to you by the 25th July at the latest. Best of luck to all the runners and see you all at CP4 tomorrow morning for coffee/breakfast. B |
| Ger OToole | Jul 18 2025, 3:03pm | Brian. Thank you so much.That will be such a lovely momento. Fingers crossed I’ll earn it. |
| Ger OToole | Jul 18 2025, 3:15pm | Are the finish line bags checked in in Marley or Clonegal? |
| Noel Somers | Jul 18 2025, 3:57pm | Hi all My race number is gone on the missing list can I pick another one up at registration? |
| Lillian Deegan | Jul 18 2025, 5:04pm | All drop bags will be collected in Clonegal. Noel, log in there and buy a replacement bib number and we’ll get you sorted tonight. |
| John Murphy74 | Jul 18 2025, 5:45pm | Sorry for the late message. Has anyone got an up to date gpx of the route just to be safe, thanks. |
| Robbie Williams | Jul 19 2025, 8:25am | Anyone got the tracker link handy |
| Eric Llaurado Ortiz | Jul 19 2025, 8:40am | Tracker link here |
| Robbie Williams | Jul 19 2025, 8:43am | Sound |
| Patricia McLoughlin | Jul 19 2025, 5:49pm | THANKS SO MUCH FOR A GREAT NIGHT OUT. Thanks to Lillian, Con and each and every volunteer who were super helpful all night and enabled us all to be able to run such an epic, superbly organised race. Thanks. |
| Neil Dowling | Jul 19 2025, 8:15pm | Many thanks to Lillian and crew for a wonderful experience. There was a very positive and supportive atmosphere at each of the check points. In my postrace delirium I left some items at the finishing point. I left my poles (Salomon Ultra Carbon Foldable - Blue 125cm) and a small waist pouch containing a battery pack and a cable. Did anyone pick them up? Thanks |
| David Jones | Jul 20 2025, 8:39am | Thank you Lillian & all the amazing volunteers. The positivity at every checkpoint not to mention the amazing array of snacks and drinks was the perfect antidote to any of the lows during the night and day. Just a briiliant challenging day. Thank you all. |
| Raymond Cummins | Jul 20 2025, 8:48am | WW Race 2025 has come and gone but the memories will live for a long time. Thanks again to Lillian and everyone else that helped out and kept turning up at different points along the way, such as Niamh and Paul. Volunteers as always could not do anymore. I don't know how Lillian in particular does it, giving everyone of us that feeling that we are "special".:-) |
| Noel Somers | Jul 20 2025, 9:45am | Thanks for such a great race I enjoyed every single bit of it Thanks to everyone involved and everyone who helped along the way Met some lovely people running the race and helping out. Thanks again Noel somers |
| Alexander Muhlwald | Jul 20 2025, 9:58am | A big THANK YOU Lillian and ALL the volunteers for a fantastic event!! So much positivity, support and nice food at every checkpoint. Well Done All |
| Ger OToole | Jul 20 2025, 10:37am | To Lillian and all of the amazing volunteers. Thank you so much. Another brilliant race. Support and the chat was so gear at all of the checkpoints, made it hard to leave |
| Ger OToole | Jul 20 2025, 10:39am | Lillian, are there any tops available, I forgot to ask in Clonegal. If there are could I get a Men’s medium, how do I pay? Thanks |
| Andy Keeling | Jul 20 2025, 10:45am | Thank you Lillian and entire army of volunteers. Great great event as always. Race report up. |
| Joseph Boyle | Jul 20 2025, 11:07am | Great report Andy, you looked super strong at the finish. |
| Gavin OToole | Jul 20 2025, 11:39am | A big Thank you to Lillian and all the volunteers for an amazing experience and for all the much needed and appreciated motivation. |
| Paul O'Mahony | Jul 20 2025, 1:38pm | That was my first time do WWR. It was so well organised. The volunteers could not have been more kind, helpful and understanding.Thank you so much Lillian and everyone. |
| Rachel Harney | Jul 20 2025, 2:12pm | Lillian, Conor and all the volunteers, Thank you so much for your amazing efforts in facilitating such a fantastic race. What an incredible experience that would have never been possible without you all. The amazing helpers at Glendalough checkpoint who got me back out to continue - how ye did it ill never know! - Susan (magic physio marvel), Avril (who should teach an influencing and negotiation skills seminar), Neil (who told me about his previous experience in coming out of the pits before), the coffee deserves a mention!, and Brian (who tried every tactic under the sun to try to get me to move faster towards crone woods - including getting strangers to clap me on, haha!). Hope to come back again to try conquour it! |
| Alan Kennedy | Jul 20 2025, 2:44pm | You were amazing Rachel. When you first arrived in Glendalough I wasn’t confident you would be leaving and I’ll be honest your emotions were getting to some of us, but hopefully we hid it from you. But your transformation as time went by was remarkable and my particular highlight was marching you past all the Germans into the Male toilets, to avoid the massive queue for the ladies, and to give you the dignity of one last visit instead of the woods and telling them all to make way for an Elite athlete (because you are). The spring in your step after was a joy and we were buzzing after seeing you and Brian on your way. Padraig Harrington was once asked about the pressure of the winning putt and he laughed at the question. He said real pressure was making a putt to keep your tour card. I admire the lead runners but have so much more admiration for the likes of you and Dillon yesterday fighting to make cutoff times. Well done to all that even tried. |
| Peter Doyle | Jul 20 2025, 3:31pm | Its the morning after the day and the night before and so time for the body to recover somewhat and get some well earned sleep. What a great event and delighted to have made it a hat-trick of finishes. None of them would have been possible without the incredible support and encouragement from the army of volunteers and helpers. Hope they all realize what a lift it gives to us runners (or, as is often the case on the Wicklow Way, walkers) to be so well looked after when we stumble in to the checkpoints looking for any consolation to help refresh depleted bodies and give us the desire to get back out again. Too many names to mention and I've forgotten many. But special call out to superwoman race director Lillian who, as usual, was everywhere on the route. Also Niamh who seemed to be at every checkpoint offering wise counsel and well needed food and drink. Mick Hanney ran a tight ship at Mucklagh in the middle of the night where many weary bodies were on show. Con and Stephen at the end with smiles (and well earned WW trophies) The ice creams at CP5 were a godsend. And finally, to note that there is a special place in hell reserved for leg 4 between Glendalough and Crone woods. Reckon that someone moved at least 70% of the climbs on the route to that section :-) Thanks again to all. Said last year I'd never do it again and saying it again now. We will see! |
| Ronan Doyle | Jul 20 2025, 3:42pm | Massive thank you to Lillian and the amazing crew of volunteers, it was much appreciated, |
| Rachel Harney | Jul 20 2025, 5:11pm | Oh my god Alan Kennedy, I completely blanked on that. You were brilliant! I was so grateful for that bathroom escort! Haha, it made all the difference too in hindsight! I was so overwhelmed by all the help and support for ye all and the other runners. An experience that will never be forgotten for sure! |
| Rachel Harney | Jul 20 2025, 5:14pm | * from ye |
| Lillian Deegan | Jul 20 2025, 6:02pm | And so with the Sunday champs game all played out for another year, here’s hoping everyone had a restful day. Well done Tipp - what a game! I’m on to congratulate every single runner that toed the start line of this year’s IMRA Wicklow Way Race. Commiserations to those who had to tap out for whatever reason before gun time and to those about race route. Pulling out is never an easy call to make but sometimes the body just says nope, it’s not happening, that’s enough. I wish you well coming back to form. This year’s disappointment will very likely be the making of you next time. We had a stellar fast paced race at top end of the field this year. Our lead ladies; 1st - Aoife Mundow (A new ladies record. Aoife sharpened her own route time by 93 minutes - phenomenal performance) 2nd - Patricia McLoughlin 3rd - Niamh Fitzpatrick Our lead men; 1st - Cillian Fleming 2nd - Keith Lane (third year in a row podium placing and sharpening his finish time nicely) 3rd - Sean Meehan (who ran another real neat race- Hup Seanie M) Special mention goes to our race winners; Aoife Mundow and Cillian Fleming. It is no coincidence that these two prolific runners will race for Ireland in a few months time at The World Mountain & Trail Running Championships in Canfranc, Spain. Hearty congrats to both of you. Good luck with your resp. recovery plans. Aoife has sharpened mightily her own WW Race route record, landing a new course record that will be hard beaten no doubt shaving 93 minutes off her 2019 finish time. #SavageGoing Some will know Cillian started after everyone else at the back of the race having had a mini woopsie moment just before gun time. Wading through the field of 100 odd racers must have been a challenge in itself. Fair dues for keeping it steady all night into the morning Cillian. You probably won’t have heard but… I had a mini meltdown of me own watching you head down for the finish line. I had visions of you needing a ladder to hop the gate at Marlay Park when our deputy race director Conor O’Farrell couldn’t get the gates open. I had planned for the ranger on duty to open the gate a tad earlier than usual specially for us but he seemed to be running a little late. My heart was crossways in me until the ranger answered the phone. I’m sure Con was probably sweating it mighty too. Oh the horror of that hour or so - on the plus side, it woke me up for the rest of the day. As is always the case with this event, we were hugely blessed to have such an ultra super helpful team on hand from prepping time, sign-in time and to finish time. Gracious thanks to all our helpers for the 20 odd hours of volunteering ladies and gents. With some of you giving back for previous years on the field, some of you looking to get field ready for 2026 and some wanting to just help run things as best we could - ye all played a blinder for the runners. Thank you Thank you Thank you. To our IMRA Southeast folk Niamh, Paul and little Oisin - year on year ;) - massive hat tip from me to ye. Nothing is ever too much to ask for. Fair dues! With lots of little dramas that always play out about the helper side of things on race night and day, a car key replacement need probably tops the list this year. With us having one of the WW Race founders manning a checkpoint this year, Jeff Fitzsimons was kind enough to head off on a Saturday late afternoon and locate a company to get his fellow checkpoint helper all fixed up and back on the road. All’s well that end well! We were given a donation from The Fitness Goose Run Club/ runner Andrew Moore. I am putting those funds towards the spend we made on the ice lollies and ice cream. Michael Dowling of the Glenmalure Lodge gave us tonnes of ice leaving CP3 and it lasted all day long. We had Dave and Catherine Ryan taxing ice creams and lollies up to Roundwood for drop off into ice buckets - every little helps! A few racers at Crone even managed to have an ice foot bath while waiting for us to tidy up and head to Marlay Park for home. Many thanks Andrew. Lastly for now, Raymond Cummins, while I know your body gave you grief at odd race stages, I am in awe of your resilience. With your rib injury taking you out in Glendalough last year, I was delighted to see you rock in off College Road and high five our Brian Smyth at the park entry point. You never fail in talking fellow participants up when the dip comes during these kind of distance outings. More power to you Ray ;) And very lastly :) Finish times are being reviewed at the mo and the results will be published over the next few days all going well. Recover strong for your next outing everyone. |
| Lillian Deegan | Jul 20 2025, 6:21pm | Forgot to mention - Lost and Found. If you are missing drop bags or odd items, I’ve not cleaned out the IMRA van as yet. I opened the side door this morning and pretty much closed it just as quick. It’s looking like a bit of a tip at the moment. I’ll reach on the tidy up and sorting of stuff tomorrow. Lost & Found bit ‘n bobs will be reunited with you if I have it. I’ll be in touch as soon as. |
| Aoife Mundow | Jul 20 2025, 7:09pm | Massive thank you to Lillian and all the volunteers who gave so generously of their time to make this special event happen. |
| Dave Ryan | Jul 20 2025, 9:37pm | As the Father of a Son involved for his first race beyond 50km, the (Wicklpw Way race), I was in awe of the effors that all the volunteers made from the night before and the following day to make the event run as smoothly as possible. Special mention for Lillian who was busy enough, but guided me to a spot where I could cheer on my Son from the side of a road, somewhere around the boreen roads of Wicklow. Also a shout out to permitted support runners available from the last two checkpoints, who helped to encourage thier runners to push on and hang in there. And Catherine who ran with my Son from Glendalough to Crones. A major test of Mental and Physical endurance. Well done all. Dave |
| Brian Hourigan | Jul 20 2025, 10:57pm | Lillian, you are some woman for one woman. To every runner, organiser, volunteer, and supporter who was involved with - that was epic. You all put something together that was truly special. To the runners, I mean this with all sincerity, EVERY single one of you are superhumans - regardless of where you finished, how you finished or when you finished. Doesn't matter whether it was Marlay Park through the gap in the wall or at a checkpoint wrapped in a blanket - it was a pleasure to witness in person so many personal feats of strength and achievement of resilience and spirit. I joined Avril and Susan to volunteer at the checkpoint in Glendalough at 5:30, half asleep but soon the buzz kicked in - Avril was running a tight ship already triaging the runners - organising food, coffee, sitting them down, getting their bags and providing much needed support. The Breakfast Checkpoint already in full swing. All throughout the morning we were visited by an array of runners- from those on their 4th or 5th winds, those trudging in on life-support or some who were arriving as DNFs - out of the race but having achieved something very few people ever attempt- running an ultra trail distance in the dead of the night across a mountain range. Phenomenal. "Welcome to Checkpoint 4" I greeted runners as I was reduced to a concierge for Glendalough - my main roles now in the capable hands of Adolfo, a runner who was out of the race injured from previous CP, now unselfishly part of our support crew helping to mark the other runners coming in or get their drop bags. Amazing to see this in action. CP4 was surreal at times to witness what was transpiring - watching Susan work some serious witch doctor skills reanimating worn out competitors with her physiotherapy was magic. Ultra runners coming in at the 80 kilometre mark looking absolutely shattered and battered only to turn around within minutes to leave the checkpoint full of beans ready to attack the beast that was Leg 4. To see so many runners looking like and reporting that they've been through hell, somehow collect themselves, make an internal contract with themselves to dig deep and just get up to get back out there was unreal. You see it on ultra running documentaries and you don't really appreciate it in that medium but to experience it in person was astonishing, runners knowing they were facing the toughest leg after a whole night of running to get up and go after it - it was truly inspiring. When Dillion and Rachel came in close to cutoff of CP4, I’ll be honest they looked and sounded very beaten up - mentally and physically. The crew at the CP4 - Avril, Alan, Susan, Neil who had just turned up to help and Cath who volunteered as support runner to help Dillion get to CP5 - really stood up when it counted. As Rachel said above, the pep talks from Avril and Neil were brilliant - can't beat the knowledge of people who've suffered this race before. We sat there watching Dillion get up and go after it with Cath. Inspiring stuff. I ran with Rachel out of CP4 just at the last second of the cutoff, as Alan stated, her turnaround just like Dillion and so many others earlier in the day was amazing. We ran along chasing the CP5 cutoff as we approached the pier gates, we kept checking in on Dillion. Rachel constantly asking about how he was doing, was he going to make it? Willing him on to make the checkpoint. At various times we checked to see his ETA yo-yo between 14:45 to 14:37. We knew our cutoff was slipping as we had the climb up Ballinastoe, Robber's Pass and then White Hill. Rachel fought bravely to get up those climbs and then we saw it - Djouce shoulder, we had planned that if enough was in the tank we could use Maurice Mullins, Wicklow Way Half and the multiples of recces over the years to hopefully tap that muscle memory to dig deep. We started well but unfortunately Rachel was literally running with closed eyes, half asleep, full zombie mode but most importantly still soldiering on. As we tried to make it to CP5 the ETA was increasing with every check though we were inspired to see Dillion now going down to a 14:32 ETA. Jesus he can make it, he must be putting down some pace to make it. We picked up the pace to try gain what we had lost alas it was not to be. We checked up on Dillion in the tracker, he had made it to CP5 by seconds!!. This was a massive victory to celebrate, he had told Rachel hours earlier on Leg 3 or possibly earlier that he was done - couldn't go on yet here he was at 2:30pm making it through CP5! At CP5 Rachel was well looked after by Caroline, Lillian and Gavin. We organised a way back to Marlay to watch the rest of the field make it in. It was brilliant to see the energy-sapped faces from 6am, 7am and 8am in Glendalough take their victory lap with a smile as they appeared from the trees in Marlay. Special mention to Michael, Christian and the lads who pushed exceptionally hard to make the finish by mere minutes - at Glendalough 9 hours earlier they were composing themselves after a tough night slog knowing they were closing in on tightening cut-off times. Everyone was buzzing for ye, was a dramatic finish. Similarly to Maksym, Mark and Martin who as 6pm fast approached were still out there battling the rocky paths of Ticknock pressing on to get a finish, you lads were doing some heroic stuff. To keep going still in the fight and on the ropes but not defeated takes serious mental fortitude. Congratulations to every single one of the 106 superhumans who left Clonegal on Friday, it was an amazing experience to watch you all achieve something special. |
| Niamh Kelly | Jul 21 2025, 11:46am | What another amazing race and cements for me one of the reason's I love volunteering so much. from start to finish there was an amazing atmosphere from runners and race crew, which carried through the rest of the race. I enjoyed the chats and banter at the aid stations, and everyone had smiles coming in and out, especially from 66k onwards when things got tough with big climbs and humid warm weather. So a massive well done to all the runners who towed the line on Friday night you are all absolutely amazing A massive well done and congratulations to Lillian for another brilliant race . Well done to all the volunteers all fantastic and so supportive, not just to the runners but to each other too. |
| Cillian Fleming | Jul 21 2025, 3:23pm | Huge thanks to Lillian and all the team/volunteers for such a well organized event! The support on the course throughout the night was something else. Dying cow in particular was like a mini festival!!! Organising and running an ultra event is no joke and this one was like clockwork. Thanks to all the volunteers who gave up their Friday night to allow the event to take place. Well done and congrats to everyone who took to the start line! |
| Paul Flynn | Jul 21 2025, 5:28pm | Just want to echo everyone else and add my huge thanks to Lillian and the volunteers. Volunteering for a Wednesday evening race is to be applauded, but volunteering to man a checkpoint for hours in the middle of the night is a totally different level of commitment. Also want to say that this was my first time doing the WW Race in the Summer, and I absolutely loved it. Hopefully it will return as a Summer race in 2026? |
| Martin Quish | Jul 21 2025, 11:10pm | Bit late to the party on this one, but echoing everyone's sentiments , I was blown away at the kind, helpful volunteers I came across on my first Ultra Race. From the seat beckoning CPs, to the drive-by icepop and motivating/cheering . It inspires me to want to volunteer and I will soon for sure! Met some amazing characters already mentioned along the way that showed extreme grit. I was in awe at how deep some people dug . I learned a lot on my first foray into ultra race territory(especially on how my gut reacts to certain fuel ) and ill be back for more for sure . Just finishing the route itself was more than I could have hoped for. Thanks again! Legends. |
| Sean Forsyth | Jul 22 2025, 1:29pm | Well a few days have passed and so has all the pain in the body, some reflection done and a race report written and posted. I can only say thank you to everyone who makes this race possible, it is an absolute gem, including the suffering. It really stands to the IMRA community and beyond to see so many people out to support the few that choose to take part. For anyone who is ever on the fence about doing this, just do it. Whether you finish or not is a near irrelevance, standing at the start and pushing yourself into the unknown, expanding your boundaries and perceived limits will come back in spades for you. Life's short and unpredictable, take the chances. I have so much thanks and respect for Lillian Deegan, Conor O’Farrell, Alan Kennedy, Darragh White, Niamh Kelly, Daniel, Nicola, Mick, Avril and all the people who gave their time up for us this past weekend, i hope to be one of them next year helping everyone else along. For all the heroes who stood at the start in Clonegal on Friday night , well done to you all, a superb effort no matter where you stopped…we all run, we all stand, we all crash and then we do it again and again. |
| Dillon Ryan | Jul 22 2025, 1:36pm | Race report up |
| Lillian Deegan | Jul 22 2025, 1:38pm | Thanks a bunch for all the lovely comments to all our helper crew from the weekend. A fantastic bunch of runners ye all were too. I hope yer bodies are starting to loosen up a tad by now. Great race review there Andy K #Mint Ger O’Toole - I’ve no med tops left in either colour, sorry. If there was sufficient interest, I could ask the suppliers about doing a repeat order. If anyone would like to be considered, would you send me an email noting your colour choice and size. I’ll see what can be done with the supplier and we can figure costs then. I’d expect them to be around the €30 marks ish - all will depend on the order count I expect. Email to Lillian.deegan@imra.ie On drop bags - the van has been cleaned out. I’ve a number of odd items for collection. With us having had a sweaty night run section esp. I’ve a wash gone on, there is some clothing in the mix. If you are missing things, can you email me and I’ll get a plan in place for your odd bits back to you. |
| Lillian Deegan | Jul 22 2025, 1:41pm | Myles Barnes - you’ve got the best drop bag award for this year without doubt. Plenty of smilers seeing your Dying Cow art works. I see Anna-May noticed it too from the photos added. |
| Yan Pan | Jul 22 2025, 6:33pm | Thanks a mill to Organizers and ALL team/volunteers for such an unforgettable event!! Lillian, you are amazing, super and I am so happy to bump into you several times (oh well, not when you as part of the Cutoff team following me uphill to Mucklagh :p). |
| Robert Warman | Jul 22 2025, 7:50pm | Thanks to all of the runners, crews, volunteers & organisers. A fantastic event & amazing atmosphere at Glendalough (which I got to enjoy having timed out at CP3!). And I’m trying to kid myself I completed the “Wicklow Way Half” rather than DNF’d the Wicklow Way Race! |
| Anna-May Woods | Jul 22 2025, 9:29pm | What an event to be part of. Myself and Darragh manned CP1, the Dying Cow, and what a few hours we had!! It was so inspiring to see all the runners come in and also to be part of a fantastic volunteering team, led by our wonderful captain Lillian. CP1 was intense, runners came in thick and fast, all arriving in within 75 minutes of each other! A massive thank you to Imogen for helping us fill water in the pub and my team mate Darragh, couldn’t have done it without you! |
| Rachel Harney | Jul 22 2025, 9:42pm | Wow Dillon, what an amazing race report! I'm emotional reading it! What an experience that we will never forgot. I bet your son was incredibly proud of you. You being a role model was the best birthday present you could ever give him. |
| Ross Donovan | Jul 23 2025, 11:36am | Thank you so much Lillian for another seamless race and to all the volunteers out on the course. What a night on the hills! Class stuff altogether! |
| Rob Tobin | Jul 23 2025, 12:08pm | Race report posted. It's taken me the last few days to gather my thoughts, of which there are many. A massive thank you to RD Lillian and your tireless team whose efforts in the lead-up to this event, on the days and through the intervening night make the WW race such a special and unmissable event. I've had the pleasure of volunteering at the last two editions and this year was my first time running. From either side of the trestle tables, the atmosphere, camaraderie and craic among volunteers and runners is out of this world. If you find yourself on the fence about volunteering or running at the Irish Ultra Championships, just get involved. You won't regret it. |
| Paul Flynn | Jul 23 2025, 2:13pm | Great reports all. I’m currently on a boat to France with not a lot to be doing and reading them is providing great entertainment. Dillon, your story was epic, especially combined with the earlier comments from Rachel, Alan and Brian. Rob, it was great running with you for that section from Oldbridge to Ballinastoe. I felt we were evenly matched at the time. I was shocked when I checked the results later to see that you’d managed to pass five more people and finished more than an hour ahead of me. Well done, and I hope you find loads of blackberries at your next race, wherever that may be. P.S. i think the mystery runner at the pier gates was Wayne McGuigan. I don’t know why he turned left but it seems he retired shortly afterward, according to the tracker. |
