Community and Courage: The Heart of the Beara Way Ultra in West Cork

The Beara Way Ultra, held in Castletownbere, West Cork, on Friday, May 16, and Saturday, May 17, 2025, is a formidable endurance event that traverses the rugged beauty of the Beara Peninsula. Participants navigate challenging terrains, from steep mountain paths to coastal trails, experiencing the raw and unspoiled landscapes that make this region a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

The Beara Peninsula

A standout feature of the Beara Peninsula is the Dursey Island Cable Car, Ireland’s only cable car and the only one in Europe that crosses open seawater. Spanning 374 meters over the often-turbulent Dursey Sound, the cable car connects the mainland to Dursey Island, offering passengers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding coastline. Originally opened in 1969 to serve the island’s residents, it has become a unique attraction for visitors seeking a blend of adventure and scenic beauty .Castletownbere itself is renowned as Ireland’s premier whitefish port, playing a pivotal role in the country’s fishing industry. The town’s bustling harbor is a hub of activity, with trawlers bringing in fresh catches that supply markets both locally and across Europe. Beyond its maritime significance, Castletownbere offers a warm welcome to visitors, with its vibrant community, traditional pubs, and proximity to natural attractions like Bere Island and the Healy Pass.

For those interested in exploring the area further, the Dursey Island Cable Car provides access to the tranquil and scenic Dursey Island, a perfect spot for hiking and wildlife watching. Additionally, the town’s rich history, including sites like Dunboy Castle, adds depth to the cultural experience of visiting this unique part of Ireland

The Beara Way Ultra

The Beara Way Ultra is organized by the Irish Mountain Running Association (IMRA), a volunteer-driven organization that promotes mountain and trail running across Ireland. The event is meticulously coordinated by Race Director Micheal McSweeney for the ultra and Kristen O’Sullivan for the Eadrom, with support from Robbie Williams and a dedicated team of volunteers who manage everything from aid stations to logistics, ensuring a seamless experience for all participants 

The race weekend offers three distinct distances, catering to a wide range of endurance levels:

• Beara Way Ultra (161 km, 5,500 m ascent): This flagship event is one of the most demanding ultra-marathons in Ireland, featuring a fully marked route that tests even the most seasoned ultrarunners. It’s part of the Irish Ultra Championships and is rated 10/10 on the IMRA Difficulty Scale, the highest possible rating .
• Beara Way Éadrom (70 km, 2,292 m ascent): Designed for experienced trail runners seeking a substantial challenge, this race offers a rugged course with significant elevation gain. The route is fully marked.
• Beara Way Challenge (23.5 km, 1,100 m ascent): Ideal for those new to mountain running or looking to test their limits, this shorter race provides a taste of the Beara Peninsula’s diverse terrain, including mountain trails and scenic coastal views. The course is fully marked, making it accessible to less experienced runners
  

This tiered format makes the Beara Way Ultra weekend an excellent opportunity for runners to progressively build their endurance and experience in mountain running. Whether you’re aiming to complete your first trail race or seeking to conquer a 100-mile ultra, the event offers a supportive and challenging environment to achieve your goals.

The Beara Way Ultra weekend attracted an impressive and diverse group of participants across its three race distances, highlighting the growing appeal of endurance trail running in Ireland.

The Challenge route, spanning 23.5 km, saw the highest turnout with 65 runners – 23 women and 42 men – taking on its steep climbs and scenic paths.

The Beara Way Éadrom (Lite), covering 70 km, welcomed 36 athletes to the start line, including 7 women and 29 men, demonstrating a strong middle-distance contingent.

Meanwhile, the flagship Beara Way Ultra, a grueling 161 km with 5,500 meters of elevation, drew 45 determined runners, comprising 5 women and 40 men.

These figures not only reflect a healthy interest in trail running across all levels but also showcase the inclusive and challenging nature of the event, appealing to both seasoned ultrarunners and those steadily building their race distance experience.

How the Races Played out

One of the standout narratives from this year’s Beara Way Ultra was the gripping battle between three remarkable runners—Sam, Lonan, and Ross—as they pushed each other through the rugged 161 km course. Their close race unfolded in real time for those following online, making for some truly compelling dot-watching on the live trackers.

Sam, who ultimately finished second, delivered a phenomenal performance—especially considering he had already completed another 100-mile event during a Backyard Ultra in April. Reflecting on the experience, Sam remarked, “We definitely helped push each other along at different times and set a good pace.” The camaraderie and competition between the trio brought out the best in each of them.

As the race entered its final stages, Lonan began to pull away, showcasing remarkable consistency and strength. “There was no catching Lonan, who was really strong on the climbs all day,” Sam admitted, paying tribute to the eventual winner’s endurance and mountain prowess. Lonan says “I wouldn’t of had such a race without their will to push through some hard times in the heat for the bones of 12 hours“

Ross, too, stayed in the hunt throughout, rounding off a thrilling chapter in what was already a legendary ultra marathon weekend. Their shared effort and mutual respect on such a grueling course captured the true spirit of the Beara Way Ultra. Lonan states “This 100 mile course challenges any in the world for it’s beauty and mixed terrain and the support, marshalling and crews are beyond amazing.“

Dee O’Gorman, the women’s winner of the Beara Way Ultra, delivered a powerful performance that reflected both grit and growth. Reflecting on her victory, Dee shared that “learning from past experiences helped give it a proper go,” highlighting how previous races and setbacks had shaped her approach this time around.

Her success was built on dedication and discipline. “Just putting the head down and training helped,” she said, emphasizing the value of consistent effort over time. In the end, her message was simple but inspiring: “You just have to back yourself.” Dee’s journey and words captured the essence of endurance running—resilience, self-belief, and a willingness to keep showing up.

One of the more unexpected and entertaining sights from the Beara Way Ultra was spotting Sam Hand powering through 100 miles—decked out in a Limerick hurling bucket hat. In a weekend where Cork suffered a stinging defeat to Limerick on the pitch, Sam’s choice of headwear raised more than a few eyebrows among the locals. It sparked some good-natured banter along the route, with more than one spectator wondering aloud whether running 100 miles in a heatwave or wearing a Limerick hat through Cork was the bolder move.

When asked about it, Sam laughed it off, saying the hat was actually a secret weapon. “It was definitely an aid—it kept the head cool all day,” he said. Whether it was cooling strategy or quiet sporting allegiance, it added a splash of humour and colour to an otherwise gritty and intense race.

IMRA – Incredible volunteers and support

It wouldn’t be an IMRA race without the incredible support of the volunteers, whose behind-the-scenes efforts make events like the Beara Way Ultra possible. Kristen O’Sullivan, Race Director of the Éadrom (Lite) route, was quick to acknowledge this, saying “An event like that can’t take place without the volunteers from IMRA and the locals.”

From marking routes in remote mountain sections to manning aid stations, managing checkpoints, and cheering on weary runners deep into the night, the volunteers brought energy, organisation, and heart to the entire weekend. Their commitment is a cornerstone of IMRA’s ethos, and their presence ensures not only that the races go ahead smoothly, but that a strong sense of community and support remains at the centre of every event.

Personal Insight

As someone who ran the Éadrom (Lite) race myself, I can say firsthand that the volunteers truly made the day. Anthony at the Firkeel water stop was an absolute legend—his energy and encouragement gave us all a boost when it was most needed. Carol and Eimear at Eyeries Hall brought warmth and reassurance, making sure we were looked after and ready for the next tough stretch. And Rob and Deirdre in Ahillies were nothing short of remarkable, managing tired runners with calm focus and genuine care.

It’s a long day for everyone, but for the volunteers who are out there just as long—if not longer—their dedication, patience, and positivity kept the whole event running smoothly and safely. They were the unsung heroes of the course, and their presence was a vital part of what made the race so special.

What makes trail running so special isn’t just the landscapes or the challenge—it’s the camaraderie that carries you through the toughest moments. That spirit was on full display during the final stretch of the Éadrom race, when two fellow runners, Mark and Kenny, waited for me on the last descent. Instead of pushing ahead, they chose to finish together, and we ran the final 5km side by side into Castletownbere.

That simple act of solidarity transformed a grueling finish into a shared victory. It’s moments like those that remind you trail running isn’t just about personal goals—it’s about the people around you, the encouragement shared, and the quiet understanding among runners that we’re all in it together. Mark and Kenny didn’t just help me through the last few kilometers—they made the journey unforgettable.

The Unexpected Challenge

The weather over the Beara Ultra weekend added an extra layer of challenge to an already demanding race. Runners faced unusually warm conditions for West Cork, with a heatwave pushing temperatures higher than typical for this rugged coastal region. The combination of steep climbs, exposed mountain ridges, and unrelenting sun tested the endurance and hydration strategies of every participant.

The heat made the climbs especially tough, sapping energy quickly and requiring careful pacing to avoid exhaustion. Aid stations became crucial lifelines, offering not just water but shade and encouragement to keep runners moving forward. Despite the tough conditions, the resilience and camaraderie among the runners shone through, with many remarking that battling the elements together made the achievement even sweeter. In the end, the 2025 Beara Ultra proved that it’s not just the terrain but the weather that defines the spirit of an ultra race.

2025 Results

Here are the results for the men’s Beara Way Ultra 161 km race:

• 1st Place: Lonan O’Farrell – 21:46:10
  
• 2nd Place: Sam Hand – 22:02:36
  
• 3rd Place: Ross O’Donovan – 22:23:31
  

It was a tight race, with all three runners showing incredible endurance and determination over the challenging course. Lonan’s strong climbing ability really made the difference, while Sam and Ross pushed hard to keep the pace close right to the finish.

Here are the women’s top finishers in the Beara Way Ultra 161 km race:

• 1st Place: Deirdre O’Gorman – 26:30:20
  
• 2nd Place: Karina Jónína – 29:16:22
  
• 3rd Place: Mairead O’Keeffe – 29:39:45
  

Deirdre’s strong and steady pace earned her a well-deserved victory, with Karina and Mairead not far behind, showcasing impressive endurance on this tough and demanding course.

Here are the standout results from the Beara Way Éadrom (Lite) 70 km race:

• Men’s Winner: Brendan Joy – 8:29:33
  
• 2nd Place: Conor Lucey – 8:30:05
  
• 3rd Place: Martin Kirby – 8:40:06
  

These times highlight a fiercely competitive men’s race, with Brenda Joy edging out Conor Lucey by just seconds in a thrilling finish. Martin Kirby also put in a strong performance, rounding out a top trio that demonstrated great pace and endurance over the challenging terrain.

Here are the top women’s finishers in the Beara Way Éadrom (Lite) 70 km race:

• 1st Place: Sarah Clarke – 8:47:20
  
• 2nd Place: Eva Butterly – 9:44:43
  
• 3rd Place: Miriam Beasley – 10:18:47
  

Sarah Clarke led the women’s field with a strong, steady pace, followed by Eva Butterly and Miriam Beasley, each showcasing impressive stamina and determination across the tough course.

Here are the top finishers in the Beara Way Challenge (23.5 km):

Men’s Results:

• 1st: Eric O’Connor – 2:30:54
  
• 2nd: Jean Jacques Jordaan – 2:36:45
  
• 3rd: Joe O’Leary – 2:38:10
  

Women’s Results:

• 1st: Elaine Collins – 2:53:58
  
• 2nd: Gaya Cremers – 2:55:40
  
• 3rd: Lianne van Dijk – 2:56:27
  

The women’s race was exceptionally close, with just under two minutes separating the top three finishers, making for an exciting and competitive finish. The men’s race also saw tight gaps, reflecting strong competition across the board.

If you’re planning to head to Castletownbere for the Beara Way Ultra weekend or just to explore the stunning Beara Peninsula, here’s some practical info to help you prepare:

Practical Information

Getting to Castletownbere

Castletownbere is a charming fishing town located on the Beara Peninsula in West Cork, Ireland. It’s accessible by car via the N71 and R572 roads, with scenic routes offering breathtaking coastal views. The nearest major towns are Bantry (about 30 minutes away) and Kenmare (around 1 hour). For those coming from further afield, Cork Airport is the closest international airport, approximately 2.5 hours’ drive from Castletownbere. Public transport options are limited, so renting a car is highly recommended for convenience and flexibility.

Essential Gear & Trail Running Shoes

The terrain in Beara is rugged and often steep, with rocky paths and variable weather conditions. Good grip is essential, so investing in a pair of high-quality trail running shoes with excellent traction is a must. Lightweight hydration packs or vests are also useful to carry water, snacks, and essential gear comfortably.

IMRA Mandatory Kit

The Irish Mountain Running Association (IMRA) takes safety seriously, so they require all participants to carry mandatory kit during races to prepare for changing mountain conditions. The typical mandatory kit includes:

• Waterproof jacket and trousers (both breathable)
  
• Warm hat and gloves
  
• Whistle
  
• Mobile phone with emergency numbers saved
  
• Emergency foil blanket
  
• Headlamp (with spare batteries)
  
• Food and water supplies
  

It’s important to check the specific race briefing for exact kit requirements, as these can vary slightly depending on the distance and weather forecast. 

Final Tips

Always prepare for sudden weather changes—Beara’s coastal mountains can be unpredictable. Layer your clothing so you can adjust as you go, and make sure your shoes are well broken-in before race day. With the right gear and preparation, you’ll be set to enjoy the breathtaking landscapes and challenge yourself safely on one of Ireland’s most scenic ultra routes. Don’t forget to bring a great personality to keep your spirits high—and maybe an extra bottle of water, just in case your charm runs out before the trail does!

For comprehensive information on the Beara Way Ultra, including race details, mandatory kit requirements, and event logistics, please visit the official IMRA Beara Way Ultra event page.