The IMRA Wicklow Round

A long distance run covering many of the peaks in Wicklow.

The Challenge

A looped course covering 26 peaks totalling over 100K and over 6,000M climb inside 24 hours. To view the full route: Route Details

The Rules

Any attempt to be recognised must first be publicised in advance on the forum section of the IMRA website www.imra.ie and afterwards by supplying a list of splits (arrival time at each of the nominated points). Grid References

All 29 nominated points must be visited in order. The 29 points are the 26 peaks as well as the start point, Drumgoff, and the end point. The start point and the end point are the same physical location.

• To complete the Wicklow Round, competitors may run solo or in groups on the strict understanding that all members carry their own gear, are self-propelled (no physical pushing or towing) and that the navigation is done by the solo / group members who are validly attempting to do the Round in total.
• For groups to have their Round recognised all group members must complete the Round together and only a genuine reason may be accepted if a group member drops out part way round.
• It is against the Rules of the Round for a group to split up to allow different paced group members to complete in different times.
• It is against the Rules of the event to have any pacing runner or navigational support personnel accompany them during the Round attempt at any stage.
• It is against the Rules of the event to use a GPS or any other type of electronic or other external navigational assistance device for positioning or pacing assistance or for route finding during the Round attempt.
• Navigation should be by use of Map (Printed on paper) & Compass only. It is against the Rules of the event to use and tape or similar to mark section of the route in advance
• It is against the Rules of the event to use a phone or similar device during the Round attempt to access the tracker data except at designated logistics /support/ refueling points which are located at tarmac road crossing points.
• It is forbidden to use a phone or other form of communication to get any feedback, instructions or any other relevant information during the Round attempt except as designated logistic/ support refueling points as below,
• It is against the Rules of the event to have fuel or liquid stashed along the Round route or to access similar left in position or offered by others encountered along the route
• Only access to drink shall be at naturally occurring water sources on the route and at designated support/ refueling points for food and drink.
• These Logistical Support Points are all located at tarmac road crossing points
• Designated / Permitted Logistical Support Points are to be at a single point as below:
  • Start
  • Sally Gap
  • Ballinagee Bridge Area
  • Drumgoff
  • Glendalough
  • Road Crossing point between Wicklow Gap and Hollywood
  • Road Crossing point between Sally Gap and Laragh
  • Road Crossing point between Sally Gap and Ballinastoe / Roundwood
  • Road Crossing point between Tonduff North and Prince Williams Seat
  • Finish
• A competitor must have sufficient resources and skills to survive in a mountain environment for the duration of the attempt.
• Route choices on a tarred road are permitted but no transport of any kind.
• Food dumps and logistical support along the route are allowed.
• Competitors must have logistics and a plan in place in case of injury or adverse weather conditions.
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• It is understood that some people may wish to attempt the Round route in the style of other "Rounds" by use of pacers, navigators, GPS, etc. There is no objection to that but such attempts should not be notified to IMRA nor should those doing such seek to be recognised or recorded as successful Round attempts.
• Should anyone complete the Round circuit in such a manner and then use that experience gained to complete the Round on another date as per the Rules of the event then only the latter Round will be recorded.
**

UTMB/ITRA points

Unfortunately the Wicklow Round is no longer a UTMB qualifying event

Disclaimer

This is a personal challenge; IMRAs only involvement is to agree to record attempts. Neither IMRA its servants or agents can accept any responsibility of any nature or kind for loss, damage or injury suffered by a participant who takes part or attempts the the Wicklow Round. Each participant takes part at their own risk and is fully responsibility for their own safety, support and equipment.

History of the Wicklow Round

The Wicklow Round started out as a longer route than the current and with a slightly different ruleset, based on feedback from runners, a special sub-committee consisting of Tony Kiernan, Brendan Lawlor, Brian Bell, and Joe Lalor, made various amendments to the original route, in the process shortening it by about 18-20km.

The original route can be viewed here:

Route and Low Resolution or High Resolution

Results & Records

The list of sub 24 hour completions of the Wicklow Round is as follows (listed in date order):

1. Moire O Sullivan F May 29th 2009 22:58:30 Splits
2. Eoin Keith M40 May 30th 2009 17:53:45 Splits
3. Paul Mahon M, Paul Nolan M & Jason Reid M Friday 5th June 2009 19:39:25 Splits
4. Adrian Tucker M50 June 25th 2009 22:18:45 Splits
5. Greg Byrne M, Billy Reed M40, Finbar McGurren M June 2nd 2012 20:56 Splits
6. Richard Nunan M40, Jeff Fitzsimons M, Zoran Skrba M June 8th 2013 21:57:02
7. Gareth Little M June 9th 2013 23:39:36
8. Laurence Colleran M40, Liam Vines , M40 May 30th 2015 20:45
9. Paul Morrissey M40, Andreas Kusch , M40 June 14th 2015 23:47:32
10. Pol O'Murchu M June 21st 2015 23:25:03
11. Mike Jordan M, Sam Scriven , M, Brian O'Meara, M July 4th 2015 23:21
12. Kevin Shannon M, Mark Shannon , M, M August 4th 2015 21:59:36
13. Paul O'Callaghan 28th May 2016 21:25 Splits
14. Adrian Hennessy 6th Jun 2016 19:36 Splits
15. John Ryan Preston 19th June 2016 21:06 Splits
16. Liam Vines 11th December 2016 22:56 Splits
17. Karina Jonina 6th May 2017 22:37:43 Splits
18. Joseph McConaughy Splits  GPX
19. Paul Keville 23rd June 2018. 22:59
20. Warren Swords and Brian Kitson 21st July - 22nd July 2018 23:14 Splits Tracker Link
21. Paul O'Callaghan 21st December 2018 . 23:38. Splits

Tony Kiernan and Gary Moralee completed the older, longer, course on 7/8 July 2007 in a time of 33:56:18 Splits

Attempts to Date - Accounts

A detailed account of the attempts to date on the revised course can be downloaded here