The Art O’Neill Challenge
24.12.2008
The Art O’Neill Ultra Running Race is one of the latest and most unique events on the Irish calendar. Unlike other ultras, this is a night event of 55km (34 miles). The race begins at 2.00 am, two hours after the start of the Art O’Neill Challenge Hike along the same route.Experienced distance runners and adventure athletes are welcome to participate and should be competent in navigating the route in its entirety. The course will be marked in parts, but competitors should carry route maps in case they lose their sense of direction in the heat of competition. All race participants are strongly advised to have conducted reconnaissance of the route in advance, particularly the off-road sections when mist can often make navigation difficult. Use of GPS will be permitted.
This ultra running event will be a race of tactics. The field will leave the start at Dublin Castle and follow the fast, flat paths out of Dublin City, south towards the Wicklow Mountains. Athletes will begin to catch the hike group and get encouragement as they speed past.
However, after the half way mark things will get particularly interesting as runners will leave the safety and speed of roads and paths for mountain paths, open mountain terrain and scrub. Fast starters in the city section may be tested in the latter part where the underfoot terrain will be tough.
Nevertheless, route markings in the more difficult spots, a good head-torch and the brightness of a full moon on the January 9th should minimise potential navigational mistakes.
The first winner and record holder of the Art O Neill Ultra Running Race will be crowned after a fast final descent and finish at Barravore Car Park.
This ultra run will have something for every specialist, whether they are street, mountain or trail runners. Being at night, and yet experiencing a beautiful sunrise in the Wicklow Mountains, will give an added sense of adventure.
There will be checkpoints at Stone Cross, Ballynultagh Gap and Ballinagee Bridge before the finish at Barravore in the Glenmalure Valley. First Aid, hot drinks, food, and other refreshments will be available at each checkpoint and at the finish.
The 50 Euro entry includes Transport from the finish, transport of a bag containing your warm dry kit to the finish for after you complete the race,first aid,hot drinks and food en route at 3 checkpoints, plus marshalling.
For more details & how to enter check the website http://www.artoneillchallenge.com/
