{read the review and then pop into the comments to guess your top 3 in the 50k and 80k}
In the Mourne Mountains, or Beanna Boirche, where granite peaks claw at the sky and ancient myths whisper through the valleys, an epic battle looms on May 25, 2025.
The Northern Ireland Mountain Running Association (NIMRA) presents the Granite Peaks Ultra, a trio of races—80k, 50k, and 25k—that serve as the Irish team trials for the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships (WMTRC) in Canfranc-Pirineos, Spain, from September 25–28, 2025. With target times of 9:30 for men and 11:00 for women in the 80k, and 6:25 for men and 7:45 for women in the 50k, only the top four in each race will earn a coveted Irish vest.
As Irish playwright Brendan Behan once wrote, “It’s not that the Irish are cynical. It’s rather that they have a wonderful lack of respect for everything and everybody.” This defiance resonates in the Mournes, where runners will face a landscape that bows to no one, testing their grit against its unyielding granite. We will soon see are these Irish lads and ladies cynical or full of respect !
The Mournes, in County Down, are steeped in legend. One tale speaks of Binnian, a giant who shaped these mountains. It’s said he hurled a great stone from Slieve Binnian to form the Cloughmore Stone, a boulder perched precariously above Rostrevor, to prove his strength to rival giants. This myth of endurance and defiance mirrors the challenge awaiting runners, who must conquer peaks like Slieve Donard and Slieve Commedagh, navigating boggy trails and rocky descents under a forecast of sunshine, showers, and 30 km/h winds. Race director Ciarán McAleenan warns, “With sunshine and showers forecast and winds of up to 30 km/h, the need for all of the mandatory kit on mountain races becomes more obvious. It is mandatory for one reason really. Your safety while out there racing. And remember at altitude the temperatures plus wind means an even lower ‘feels like’ temperature”
McAleenan calls these “the first true Mourne Mountain Ultras,” a sentiment echoed by IMRA’s Richard Nunan: “The main idea behind this race is to design one that will give a real World Champs race experience. It’s designed to have the same height, although probably rougher than the World Champs will be. It’s really set against the backdrop of Skyline Ultra races rather than many of the normal ultras we have in Ireland.” The 80k (80.7km, 4,462m elevation) and 50k (50km, ~2,800m elevation) are qualifiers, while the 25k offers a taste of the Mournes’ mystique.
As Cillian Fleming notes, “The field of runners is unbelievably strong. It’s rare that you have most of the best runners in the country in the same race, so that is exciting in itself.” With a small but elite 80k field and a stacked 50k lineup, the stage is set for a clash of Ireland’s trail running warriors.
The Course: A Granite Gauntlet
The 80k starts at 6:00 AM at Tollymore Forest Park, Bryansford, weaving through Tollymore and Donard Forests for 30km (1,100m elevation) before hitting the open mountains. Runners climb Trassey Track to Happy Valley, cross the Mourne Wall at the Meelmore-Meelbeg col, and follow it anticlockwise to Silent Valley. The route ascends Slieve Binnian via the Slievelamaghan/Binnian col, passes Blue Lough, and hits the Brandy Pad via Cove Mountain and Slieve Beg. It then tackles Slieve Donard, Commedagh, Slieve Corragh, and Slievenaglogh, descends to Hares Gap, and climbs Slieve Bearnagh and Meelmore (again) before returning via Trassey Track to the finish near the Tollymore National Outdoor Centre. Drop bags are at Trassey Track (32km) and Ben Crom Dam (52km).
The 50k (9:00 AM) follows a similar but shorter loop, while the 25k (11:00 AM) offers a compact challenge. Mandatory kit—waterproofs, hat, gloves, whistle, fell shoes—is non-negotiable, with no walking poles or headphones allowed
See all the entrants here
Women’s 80k: A Trio of Titans
The women’s 80k pits three Kerry Way Ultra champions against the 11:00 target time, each with a unique story of resilience.
- Carol Morgan (UK-based) is a master of endurance. Her 2017 Kerry Way Ultra win preceded back-to-back victories in the 420km Winter Spine Race (2017, 2018), where she smashed the women’s record in 2018, covering 320 miles in 193 hours and 51 minutes through snow, ice, and wind. This winter she did the unthinkable … a record-breaking Winter Wainwrights Round….. that is 214 peaks non-stop…. in WINTER !!! Morgan obviously thrives in long, brutal races, but the 80k demands speed. Her mental fortitude makes her a favorite, but can she match the pace of her rivals?
- Aoife Mundow (Drogheda & District AC) is a multi-record holder and Irish team veteran. Her 2020 Kerry Way Ultra win was followed by a DNF at the 2023 World Championships in Innsbruck, fueling her drive for redemption. In 2025, she shattered the women’s course record at the Art O’Neill Pursuit (26km, 650m elevation) in 2:06:17, taking nine minutes off the previous best. Mundow’s speed and experience make her a top contender for the Irish vest.
- Kirsten O’Sullivan has risen steadily in Ireland’s trail scene. Her 2024 Kerry Way Ultra win came despite significant pain, proving her grit. In 2025, she’s been nearly unstoppable, with three wins and a second place in long Irish trail races, including a dominant Knockmealdown Mountain Ultra victory. She admits, “I’m tired after a busy few weeks but hopefully will be ready to go come Sunday. Haven’t run in the Mournes yet and it’s been long on my bucket list, so we’ll try and make the most of it anyway.” Her speed and form make her a threat.
Men’s 80k: A Stacked Field of Warriors
The men’s 80k, with a 9:30 target time, is a battle royale, despite the absence of both Paul Tierney runners due to injury. Eddie O’Connor also withdrew, tightening the competition.
- Ricki Wynne, Leitrim’s “Hoka man,” is a favorite, chasing his second Irish team selection. With massive training miles, he’s ready to “let it rip.” Post-race, he’ll head to California for Western States, where he’s 13th on the waitlist for a historic lineup. Sean Meehan quips, “Ricky’s been putting in the work as always; I hear he’s moved into one of those little huts along the wall for the last couple of months, so he’s dialed in and a machine.” Wynne’s preparation and confidence make him the man to chase.
- Paddy O’Leary, another favorite, the San Francisco-based North Face athlete and biologist, is a mainstay of the Irish team. His 3rd-place finish at the 2024 Puerto Vallarta México by UTMB 100k and 2025 performances at Big Alta 28k (4th) and Transgrancanaria Marathon (27th) show his pedigree. He says, “I’ve had a good block of steep mountain training this spring and was able to get on a lot of steep rocky trails near San Francisco. Afraid we don’t have that many bogs in California, so that’ll surely be an interesting experience on the descents if this rain comes.” On the Mournes, he adds, “I’ve only ran in the Mournes once years ago, so I’m not at all familiar with the course beyond scrolling through Strava, GAIA, and Google Maps. I love that IMRA have picked a course that’s a proper steep mountain one—a great prep for whichever men and women make the final team for Worlds.” Jet lag from a recent trip could be a factor, but his experience is unmatched.
- Cillian Fleming, a young Cork runner, is poised for a breakout. A top-10 finish at UTMB Snowdonia in 2024 and a commanding Sheep’s Head 65km win two weeks ago signal peak form. He describes the course: “I expect the route to be very challenging and exciting. The first 30k is in rolling forest-type trails with 1,100m of elevation gain. It’ll be fast but demanding. Then after that, it’s out to the open mountain for 50k with some really tough climbs and descents. The race won’t really start until then!” On preparation, he adds, “Prep has been very good. Have been pretty consistent all year in terms of both volume and intensity. I had a race during the block too down in Sheep’s Head, which was a great opportunity to practice fueling, nutrition, and race strategy.” His course recces give him an edge.
- Shane Kenny has risen steadily, with a 2nd-place finish at the 2024 Kerry Way Ultra and a solid UTMB Valholl 73km in Italy in 2025. An underdog with growing prowess, he could upset the favorites if he capitalizes on the technical terrain.
- Keith Lane, a Kerry Way Ultra winner and course record holder, is a quiet but lethal contender. After a DNF at TDS in 2024, he’s been low-key in 2025, with his last race being the Wicklow Way. Training in the Mournes with Wynne suggests laser focus. Meehan notes, “Keith is always a solid runner—he deserves to do well.” If he’s back to form, he’ll be in the mix.
- Sean Meehan (Cherry Orchard Running Club) brings infectious energy and a recent WTF 43k win. He says, “The goal is to feel like I’ve left it all out there and have no regrets after. I’ve done three races this year, and they gave me a boost—two podiums and a win and made me feel solid about my training. This 80k in the Mournes is on another level, the most competitive race I’ve ever raced. It’s not my usual style of race—way more technical and climby—but that’s exactly where I want to get better.” On the field, he adds, “The field is stacked, even with only 20 signed up. Ricky’s a machine, Cilian always shows up, and Keith is solid. Paddy is another big name I’ve never raced against. I’m secretly hoping they all take wrong turns so I can sneak into the team!” His enthusiasm and recent form make him a dark horse.
- David Ryan the Kalias runner and Physio living in Wales, made waves with a 2nd-place finish at the 2024 Arc of Attrition by UTMB and a podium at a fast 51k UK race last month. His versatility across terrains makes him a serious contender for a top-four spot. After extensive searching the interwebs we finally tracked down this elusive figure …. Dave has just gotten over a chest infection and is really looking forward to the battle with nervous energy !
- Christopher Toner is fresh off a top-10 finish at the Istria 100 by UTMB (100 miles, 6,600m+ elevation) last month. His ability to race big events in quick succession is notable, but fatigue could be a factor after last year’s Ecotrail Wicklow showed wear. He notes, “That 1st 30k’s gonna be fast, and then the fun begins. I’ve only done the Mournes once before, and it’s tough. It’s similar to the Seven Sisters terrain, so I know what to expect, just a real slog. That 9:30 qualifying will be hard to get for most, I’d say.” If he’s mastered recovery, he could surprise.
- Ben Cullen, a late entry from Wicklow, is a mysterious wildcard. After eight years in Queenstown, New Zealand, where he won the Ultra Easy 100K (2021) and Northburn 100 Miler (2023), he’s recently returned to Ireland. Despite recent illness, his ultra experience makes him a potential game-changer. His low profile adds intrigue to his prospects.
Women’s 50k: A Fierce Fight for the Irish Vest
The 50k women’s race, with a 7:45 target time, is equally thrilling, featuring a mix of veterans and rising stars.
- Sorcha Loughnane, a Kerry powerhouse, is a favorite for the Irish team. With a clean sweep of three short IMRA races in 2025 and a 2:44 Seville Marathon, she’s in top form. She admits, “It is way more technical than my skillset is capable of,” but her strength and experience make her a likely podium finisher.
- Nicola Soraghan (Kilcoole AC) recently returned from London, bringing a global resume. Her world-traveling race history, including big mountain runs, and recent domination of IMRA races mark her as a contender. She says, “I’m excited. It’s my first time in a big race back home, so I’m looking forward to seeing how I fare against the other women. I did a recce in the Mournes a few weeks ago and loved it. I’ve trained a bit in Snowdonia, so the terrain reminds me of there a lot.” On prep, she adds, “Race prep was going well early spring. But then I got sick and my eardrum burst the night before Maurice Mullins 50k, so I missed that. Training has been mixed since then with some great weeks and other not-so-great weeks. I’ve just come back from a two-week work trip to Tajikistan, so training (and sleep) has been very up and down!” Her resilience could see her shine.
- Esther Dickson (Newry AC) is in form after winning the Maurice Mullins 50k by a wide margin in 2025. Her local knowledge of the Mournes and recent performances make her a strong contender for a top-four spot. She has represented Ireland quite a few years ago but did not focus on qualification since then.
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- Laura O’Driscoll, a late CIMALP entry, is returning from injury. A veteran of the Irish team, she’s been training for a transcontinental cycling race but couldn’t resist the Mournes. She says, “I’m not long back running and still only building miles—never mind speed! Tore soleus early January, only back running mid-March. Just delighted to be running—get to the start and if the body doesn’t play ball, at least I know the get-out points in the Mournes. Going to be a long day either way—but just love the Mournes, so would have had serious FOMO otherwise!” Her experience and love for the terrain could carry her far.
Men’s 50k: A Clash of Talent and Tenacity
The men’s 50k, with a 6:25 target time, features a mix of established stars and young guns.
- Enda Cloake is the form man, with a perfect record of IMRA wins in 2025, including the Slí Chorcaí Ultra in February. His ability to dominate long races makes him the one to chase.
- Luke Weldon, a young talent backed by Nike and Precision Fuel, is stepping into the unknown at 50k. His fearless approach and two years of blazing trails make him a wildcard. He says, “One word I’d give to describe the route is relentless. The climbs are steep, but the descents are even steeper. There’s nowhere in the course that you can switch off; it’s full focus from the start. The technical terrain adds to the unforgiving nature of the route.” On prep, he adds, “I’m as ready as I can be. My prep has been good with consistency being the main factor. I’ve recced the course twice, which gives me a sense of what to expect. But once the race goes over 35k, it will be unknown territory for me where I’ll have to trust in my training and give the distance the respect it deserves.”
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- James Millar (Mourne Runners) holds the top spot in the Ulster Mountain Running Championships. A local, he’s raced in New Zealand’s Southern Alps, with top-10 finishes in shorter races. He says, “I was in NZ for a year and a half. A great experience racing amongst the Southern Alps on some fast trail. We came back to Ireland in December, and I’ve been loving reconnecting with the hard slogs in the Mournes.” On racing at home, he adds, “Super happy to be racing some serious quality athletes on the home patch! I think there’s definitely a mental benefit when the pain cave you’re in is your local pain cave.” Inspired by Matthew McConnell’s Irish vest photos, Millar is hungry for his first team selection.
- Gavin Byrne, a Dublin veteran, is a frequent podium finisher in long races, including wins in Kerry and the Bears. His 2025 focus on shorter races with improving results suggests he’s peaking at the right time.
- John Kinsella (Limerick) is the only person over 40 to complete all six World Marathon Majors in under 2:30. With two IMRA wins in 2025, his speed is undeniable, but the Mournes’ technical terrain will test his mountain skills.
- Brian Mullins has been a consistent top-five finisher in 2025, excelling in longer, technical races. His recent Knockmealdown Mountain Ultra win shows he’s ready to grind out a strong performance.
- Billy Reed (Ballyclare, County Antrim) brings local knowledge and ultra experience, having tackled the Barkley Marathons in 2019. His familiarity with the Mournes makes him a dark horse for a top spot.
The Verdict
The Granite Peaks Ultra is a mythic showdown, where Ireland’s trail warriors will battle the Mournes’ granite giants, echoing the legend of Binnian’s strength. The 80k women’s race pits Morgan’s endurance, Mundow’s redemption, and O’Sullivan’s speed against the 11:00 target, while the men’s field—led by Wynne, O’Leary, and Fleming—chases 9:30 in a stacked contest. The 50k is no less fierce, with Loughnane, Soraghan, Cloake, and Millar among those vying for the 7:45 and 6:25 targets. As Behan’s words remind us, these runners will face the Mournes with defiance, leaving it all on the trails. Expect a day of heart-pounding action, where only the strongest will claim the Irish vest and a chance to conquer Spain.
Stay Tuned to our instagram where we plan to report on the race LIVE
Your Verdict ???
Jump into the comments below to guesstimate your podiums for both races ….
And we will see who gets it right !!???