The Slí Mhúscraí Ultra, Ireland’s first ultra of the year, delivered an electrifying start to the 2025 trail racing season. The 72km route, winding through the wild and rugged Cork countryside, saw seasoned ultra runners dusting off the cobwebs and testing their early-season form. With 2,140m of elevation gain and a mix of bog, trail, and road, this was no mere warm-up; it was a battle of endurance, strategy, and grit.
Men’s Race: Cloake Dominates, but Meehan and Hand Duel
Enda Cloake stamped his authority on the race, leading from early on and crossing the finish line in a blistering 6:27:39, with a commanding lead of nearly 24 minutes. His splits were aggressive yet controlled, pulling away steadily after CP4.
Behind him, the real race unfolded between Seán Meehan and Sam Hand, who ran shoulder to shoulder for much of the final 20km. Meehan, a former winner of the WTF Ultra, edged out Hand in the closing stretch, finishing in 6:51:29, just two minutes ahead of Hand’s 6:53:31.
Meehan later commented, “The bogs were brutal in places, but the route was spectacular. That last 20k, neck and neck with Sam, made the race all the better.”
Hand, winner of the 2024 Kerry Way Ultra, echoed the sentiment, adding that he relished the competition and is looking forward to the Beara Way Ultra in May.
Chris Toner ran a solid race to take fourth in 7:04:52, followed by Shane O’Neill in 7:17:09.
Women’s Race: Drama as Vitting Retires, O’Sullivan Seizes Victory
One of the biggest shocks of the day came when Ellen Vitting, one of the pre-race favorites, was forced to retire at CP4 despite leading for much of the race. The Templenoe athlete was expected to dominate but called it a day at the 52km mark. We hope Ellen heals fast and is back on the trails very soon !
With Vitting out, Kristen O’Sullivan took full advantage, pushing through the final 20km with determination to win in 7:57:02. This was a remarkable performance, placing her 11th overall and cementing her status as one to watch in 2025.
Eva Butterly secured second place in 9:11:24, followed closely by Eimear Lynch in 9:20:50. Butterly’s race was one of true resilience—after getting lost early on and adding an extra 5km to her journey, she considered dropping out but ultimately persevered to show her GRIT, finishing strong in second place.
Endurance and Spirits
The aid stations provided much-needed relief, and comments from runners reflected the support they received throughout the race. Michael Dowling, a former Kerry Way Ultra podium finisher, praised the stunning views along the course, particularly the lake at Gougane Barra. He noted the beautiful mix of terrain, from boggy trails to smoother paths, adding to the charm of the route.
Eric O’Connor from Ballybunion Tri Club completed his longest race ever, surpassing his previous longest race, the Glen of Aherlow marathon. Despite a chilly start, the conditions were favorable for the rest of the race. Eric felt truly spoiled by the conditions!
Notable DNF and Mid-Race Battles
Beyond Vitting’s shock exit, Seán Carey, Eoin Phelan, and Darren Forde also bowed out, highlighting the relentless nature of this race.
Brian Mullins (7:31:18) and Patrick Mullane (7:34:44) had an intense back-and-forth in the men’s race, exchanging positions multiple times before Mullins pulled ahead.
Pizza: The Unsung Hero
Finally, no Slí Mhúscraí Ultra report would be complete without a mention of the free, fresh pizza at the finish line, hailed by many as the true MVP of the race. Seán Meehan, still catching his breath at the finish, declared, “Best thing I’ve ever seen at the end of a race.” High praise indeed!
Final Thoughts
The Slí Mhúscraí Ultra once again proved its place as a key early-season battleground. Enda Cloake’s dominance, the thrilling duel between Meehan and Hand, and the dramatic exit of Vitting all set the stage for what promises to be a fiercely competitive ultra season ahead.
With Beara Way, the Wicklow Way Race, and the Kerry Way Ultra on the horizon, the early form guide is set—but in the world of Irish ultras, nothing is ever predictable.
Roll on the next one!
Full Men’s Results (Top 5):
- Enda Cloake – 6:27:39
- Seán Meehan – 6:51:29
- Sam Hand – 6:53:31
- Chris Toner – 7:04:52
- Dermot Meehan – 7:28:09
Full Women’s Results (Top 5):
- Kristen O’Sullivan – 7:57:02
- Eva Butterly – 9:11:24
- Eimear Lynch – 9:20:50
- Mary O’Donnell – 10:06:18
- Jenny Mullarkey – 10:35:09
For full results please visit IMRA website