Frequently Asked Questions

Who are IMRA and What is Mountain Running?

IMRA stands for Irish Mountain Running Association. We were founded in 1980. Ever since, we have organised races in a variety of locations across Ireland. All our races and activities are organised by volunteers who come from our membership community. Our organisation spans the length and breadth of the country with regional committees and groups in Munster, the Northwest, West and the Southeast. The national executive oversees all the activities of IMRA.
Our races vary in length from 3km to 128 km and cater for every type of runner from fun runner to dedicated international athletes. Races can vary from 3 km to 128km and are run over of a variety of terrains from forest tracks to rough open mountain sides, but all include a large element of climb. Most races, but not all, involve running up and down a route. The downward section is the specialised bit. Improvement and confidence come with experience and the correct footwear.

How do I join the Irish Mountain Running Association?

By signing up to MyIMRA online and then purchasing a race entry for your chosen race. The first time you do this; the system will know this and will automatically add your annual membership to your shopping basket. Registration lasts for a calendar year (until the 31st of December).
IMRA annual membership is €10, €5 for juniors & OAPs. You will be assigned a race number for the year with your annual membership. The race number is included in your membership fee for the year. You collect your annual race number at our first race and bring it to every race from then on. As an organisation run entirely by volunteers, the IMRA ethos is that each runner is expected to volunteer at least once for every 10 races ran. You can sign up to be a volunteer at the bottom of each event page at any time.

What is the entry fee to do a race?

Most Race fees are €7 with reduced entry of €5 for juniors & OAPs. Other longer races or challenges may have a higher entry fee which will be noted on the race event page.

How do I enter a race?

All races are pre-entry only and we do not accept cash on the day for any races. Details of when races are open for entry, and when they will close are on will appear on the race event page when decided. Most mid-week races open for entry the Monday before and close at noon on race day. Most weekend races open for entry the week before and close at 6 pm the day before the race. Some of the longer distance races open a few weeks in advance.

How will I collect my Race bib/number?

You collect your race bib/number at your first race. Normally there will be a separate queue/desk for number collection. Please do this first before registering for the race. This race bib/number will be yours for the rest of the year, so please take good care of it between races, and remember to bring it to any subsequent races you enter in the year. If a race has chip timing, the chips will be attached to the back of your number.

What if I lose my Race bib/number?

You can purchase a replacement number in the shop in MyIMRA. The fee for this is 5 Euro.

Where should I wear my Race bib/number?

Wear your number clearly visible on the front of your chest. Do not wear it on your back, shorts, or bag as it cannot be seen easily by the spotters at the finish line. If your number can't be clearly seen you may not get a race result! All race numbers must be visible at the finish line, not hidden under layers.

Do I need to bring all the Mandatory kit with me during the race?

Check the mandatory kit list required for the race when you register for the race. This will be advertised at registration on the day on a board. This will often be the full list of items advertised as mandatory on the race details page, but if conditions are better than expected some of these might be removed from the mandatory list of items to be carried. Any items ticked on the board MUST be carried for the entire race and available for random kit checks ("Carrying" includes wearing an item of clothing). Failing a kit check will result in disqualification from the race.

How does the race registration work on the day of the race?

1. Collect your race number, see above, if it’s your first race.
2. Check the mandatory kit board, see above, to see what you need to have for the race..
3. Get your name ticked off on the entry list for the race.
4. Get your chip (on the back of your race number) scanned at the laptop desk*.

*chip timing is currently only used at the Leinster based races

What equipment do I need to take part in a Mountain Run?

The only specialised equipment is the footwear. Normal road running shoes are not suitable for descending. A good idea is to come along to a league race with whatever shoes you have, take it easy coming down and ask other members for advice on shoes. Most runners use trail running shoes, these have rubber studded soles or ‘lugs’.
Each runner must carry a rain jacket for every race no matter what the conditions. This is part of our mandatory kit policy – See above for note on the mandatory kit policy.
Under good conditions Mountain Running is done in shorts and t-shirt, with the mandatory rain jacket worn around your waist or in a running belt.

The Race I want to enter is full. Is there a waiting list?

No. IMRA Volunteers do not manage a waiting list for any races.

I will not be able to race in an event I have entered. Can I transfer my entry or get a refund?

No. No race entries can be transferred to another runner. Only in exceptional circumstances will refunds be available. No refunds take place for races which cost 7 euro or less.

Can I use running poles in IMRA races?

For safety reasons given the varied nature of IMRA race routes, including early start and short course options, along with the numbers of participants, trekking poles are not allowed in races under 50km. Exceptions to this rule apply to distances more than 10k AND where the course elevation is above 500 m. Even in races where the use of poles is permitted, poles must be folded away in crowded situations such as the race start, or on narrow sections. The onus is on the user of the poles to use them safely and avoid injury to others.

What is the early start and who is it for?

Some races have the option of taking an early start. This is for runners who generally end up with races times in excess of 160% of the winning time. If you are unsure of whether this applies to you or not, talk to the Race director at the race event and they can advise you. Early starts typically start 30 minutes before the main start.

How do I get my race result?

Results for the races are posted on the event page after each race, usually within a couple days. As with all aspects of our races, this is done by a volunteer so allow for life etc getting in the way when waiting to see your results posted. Any issues with your race results, you can email results@imra.ie

Where do I find out about a particular race?

All IMRA races are listed on the events pages of our website. Each event page provides the details about that race. Updates on the race are also posted on the forum page for the race. It’s important to check both coming up to the race to make sure you have all the details you need before race day.

What is the High-Performance group?

IMRA is affiliated with Athletics Ireland and manages the selection process for athletes representing Ireland at selected international events each year. The high-performance group consists of competitive runners and a high-performance committee. Athletes must trial at IMRA hosted events for a place on the team and are expected to volunteer at least twice prior to the event they have been selected to represent at.
More information is available here

What is the Junior High-Performance group?

IMRA also holds the honour of selecting the junior athletes for international races each year. The junior development squad consists of athletes under the age of 20 and committee members. There are a number of international opportunities for junior athletes within IMRA. Athletes must trial at IMRA hosted events for each of the international races.

How are our races organized?

We organise our races into leagues and championships which are held across the country on a regional basis.

What are League Races?

League races are generally run on marked routes on forest or rough mountain tracks. We have weekend winter leagues, spring/summer leagues, held mid-week and at the weekend, and we have a trail league. The trail races have less elevation and are held on forest trails.

What are Championship Races?

Championship races are manly run on open mountains and require some element of navigation. For races that might require navigation, runners need to have an Ordnance Survey or an EastWest map of the area at a minimum scale of 1:50,000 (or larger if available), and a good compass (Silva, Suunto, etc.). There are currently five Championships. The Irish Championship (IC) is a series of usually 5 races (best three to count) which run up major Irish peaks across the Island of Ireland. The Munster Championship (MC) Leinster Championship (LC) and Ulster Championship (UL) are similar to the IC but confined to their province. It is common for an IC race to also be a provincial championship race. The Connacht Championship (CC) has two races held over the same weekend.

What is a Navigational Challenge?

This is a series of races which are only open to runners with experience of mountain navigation. The only information you have in advance is the starting point and the distance. Route details are issued 30 minutes before the start as a list of grid references which you must visit in order by a route of your choice. All runners must carry a map, whistle, compass, water, some food and a waterproof top irrespective of weather.

Who does Mountain Running?

League races can attract over 200 runners ranging in age from 6 to 80 and all levels of ability. Championship running is more specialised with smaller numbers racing on unmarked courses in all weathers. Runners may find themselves on their own in mist on exposed mountainsides with the potential of exposure to steep cliffs. As a result, they need to be comfortable with this and be able to navigate using a map and compass. Beginners should try some of the shorter league races, which involve less climb and easier terrain. As you get fitter, more ambitious, and navigationally competent, you could progress to running up some of Ireland's highest peaks.

Is Mountain Running dangerous?

First off, it is an adventure sport and you do compete at your own risk. That been said, if you are sensible, and tackle something within your ability range, the risks are consistent with falling while running on rough ground. A beginner should not consider emulating an elite runner down a scree slope or venturing out on an open mountain without protective clothing or the means and ability to find their way.
See safety statement.

What does "GPS allowed" mean in races

All IMRA races have been categorised to be G (GPS allowed) or NG (GPS or other similar electronic device are not allowed).

In general any races that are traditionally held on marked route such as Leinster league, trail league, international selection races will be G classified.

All other race shall be designated non-GPS (NG) and the use of any electronic device to aid route finding will be prohibited.

In a NG classifies race, the use of a GPS or similar electronic device to display compass, distance travelled, time, speed or altitude will be allowed, as will recording of actual route for post-race analysis.

No map display or route following type function may be used at any time. No race routes or check point locations should be uploaded into such a GPS or similar electronic device.

If such a device is used for route finding in an emergency situation then that competitor should retire from the race and declare themselves non-competitive as should any others that have benefited from this GPS provided information.

What is the social scene like?

The numbers participating in Mountain Running have greatly increased in recent years, and this generally has been attributed to the after race "atmosphere". After each race, there is a prize giving gathering usually in a hostelry uniquely associated with that race. The vast majority of the runners go to these gatherings. The summer offers the chance to visit at least 12 different beer gardens to discuss your progress and what awaits you on the next week's route. We also have an annual dinner dance, summer BBQ and end of winter league gathering. Once drawn into Mountain Running you will be introduced to a world of off road events and camaraderie.

For further details on our races, competition rules and safety protocols please click on the links at the bottom of the home page.