As Dave Barry from FilmMyTrailRun so aptly put it, “When you know, you know.”
And boy, does Waterville know how to throw a trail festival that’s worth knowing!
Last weekend, the Waterville Trail Running Festival (WTF) took place on the Iveragh Peninsula, and it’s no exaggeration to say it’s fast becoming a crown jewel of trail running—not just in Ireland, but in the Europe. Move over, Augusta golfers; Waterville’s trails are going to steal the spotlight.
All year round, Waterville lures golfers from every corner of the globe to its hallowed links, one of the most prestigious courses on the planet. But come the May bank holiday, Waterville is all about the trails as a slightly more crazy public —some literally jetting in from abroad—descend on this Kerry paradise for an event that’s quickly matching the golf course’s prestige… swapping the pristine greens for rough trails … and caddies for jovial volunteers
The Waterville Trail Running Festival is a deep connection to the wild, a celebration of community, and a masterclass in how to make every runner feel like they’ve stumbled into trail-running nirvana.
As the great Kerry poet Seamus Heaney once wrote, “The way we are living, timorous or bold, will have been our life.”
At WTF, it’s all about the bold—bold landscapes, bold dreams, and bold craic that only a Kerry trail festival can deliver.
Why WTF is ‘Best in its class’
1. A Backdrop That’ll Steal Your Breath (If the Hills Don’t)
Let’s be honest: Waterville is the kind of place that makes you wonder if God was showing off when He made it. The Iveragh Peninsula’s rugged cliffs, rolling green hills, and shimmering Atlantic views are so stunning, even the Dubs—known for their begrudging praise 😜 —were singing its praise.
Throw in last weekend’s glorious sunshine, and runners were pinching themselves, half-convinced they’d stumbled into a dream. The trails here aren’t just a course; they’re a love affair with one of the most jaw-dropping landscapes on Earth.
2. Exclusive Vibes Only
Much like the golf links, where tee times are rarer than a quiet pub on St. Patrick’s Day, WTF keeps things exclusive. Limited spots are available, and organisers Simon Kelly & Paul O’Callaghan with the support of the WTF team. are fierce about keeping it that way—not to be elitist, but to protect the environment, respect the local community, and ensure every runner gets that personal touch.
It’s not just a race; it’s an intimate gathering of trail-running soulmates. You’ll feel like you’re part of something special, not just another bib number in a cattle call.
We spoke with so many runners that swear this is now their annual pilgrimage to recharge their soul…
3. A Global Phenomenon, No Hashtags Required
In a world where races are shouting from the social media rooftops, Simon Kelly is a refreshing throwback. “He doesn’t do social media,” runners whisper, half in awe, half in disbelief.
Yet, WTF’s reputation is spreading like wildfire—or, as we say in Kerry, like gossip at a matchmaking festival. This year, North Americans planned entire holidays around the event, while a boisterous crew of 10 Italians tackled the trails with joy.
How do they do it ? By focusing on what matters: delivering an unrivalled experience that runners can’t stop raving about. Word of mouth is the only marketing this festival needs.
Where Golf and Trails Part Ways
1. Family & Trail Family
While Waterville’s golf course is a bucket-list tick for many, WTF is something deeper—a community, a family, a movement. Simon and his clan have crafted something so special it will be gold dust in the European trail-running scene. With limited spots, we think in future years this festival will sell out faster than a U2 concert in Dublin.
Could it become the Hardrock of Europe, the elusive experience every trail runner dreams of but few can nab? Quite possibly. Simon’s loyalty to his “WTF family” meant that previously runner got priority access, making it a reunion as much as a race.
Simon himself is the heart and soul of the event. A proper people person, he’s there for every runner, tending to their needs with a warmth that social media could never replicate. Come Sunday afternoon, he transforms into a superhero—think X-Man meets Mr. Motivator—leading the kids’ races with boundless energy. The man’s a multitasking marvel!
2. Old School is the Coolest School
Having pounded trails for donkey’s years, I’ve seen it all: the glitzy mega-races and the grassroots gems. WTF is the latter, but with a magic that’s hard to pin down. It’s old-school in the best way, harking back to why we oldies all started running trails in the first place—freedom, camaraderie, and a good dose of muck.(ok not much muck this year!)
You’ll see the same welcoming faces year after year: the legendary Paul’s Halfway House, serving up sustenance and smiles; champion Lianne Van Dijk, helping out in every way possible; and ultra-obsessed Tomas De Faoite, whose passion for trails is downright infectious.
This isn’t just a race; it’s a homecoming. It’s the kind of event that reminds you why you fell in love with trail running, with a side of Irish wit and Kerry charm thrown in for good measure.
If you haven’t added WTF to your calendar yet, what are you waiting for? The Festival awaits…
2025 Waterville Trail Running Festival: Sunshine, Records, and Grit
The Waterville Trail Running Festival (WTF) 2025 was kissed by the kind of sunshine that makes you think the weather gods were taking back handers. It’s almost suspicious how this festival bags the best weather every May bank holiday, but we’re not here to jinx it—just to bask in it.
From the 25km taster to the brutal 130km ultra, this year’s races were a masterclass in trail-running glory, with records shattered and stories forged on the rugged Kerry Way. Here’s the lowdown on the results, spiced with the magic of Waterville’s trails.
25km Race: A Grand Start to the Weekend
The 25km race kicked off Saturday morning under a sky so blue it could’ve been painted by a Kerry poet. Perfect for trail-running newbies dipping their toes into the wild, this route is a love letter to the Iveragh Peninsula. Runners zipped over Coomakista, brushing within two metres of a Bronze Age tomb, before looping at Caherdaniel to glide along a dreamy section in front of Daniel O’Connell’s historic home, with one of Ireland’s most stunning beaches trying to lure them in for a dip !
Sarah Casey founder of Soul Stuff, who made the trip from Clare said it was a ‘25km adventure of pure Kerry trail magic’ adding that her highlights were ‘great atmosphere, epic views, frolicking down hills & trudging up climbs’
25km Results
Female:
- Éilís Peat – 02:34:44
- Gaya Cremers – 02:38:50
- Annette Leahy – 02:47:52
Male:
- Martin Keohane – 02:01:15
- Niall O’Riordan – 02:16:31
- Joshua Grobbelaar – 02:16:44
This race doubled as Day 1 of the 2-Day Ultra Stage Race, and the drama was thick. Nick Hogan and Eddie O’Connor crossed the line in a dead heat for first, setting the stage for a Sunday showdown. On the women’s side, Sinéad Egan stormed to a commanding lead, leaving the fieldfar behind with alot to do for Day 2.
130km Ultra: A Beast That Bites
The 130km Ultra is not for the faint-hearted. With only 17 brave souls tackling its three 43km loops, this race is a testament to both stamina and sheer stubbornness. Each loop tempts runners to drop as they pass through Waterville’s welcoming village, and this year, a 50% DNF rate proved just how merciless it can be. Is it even fair to put runners through this gauntlet? The half who didn’t finish might say no, but the podium finishers begged to differ.
Ross Donovan obliterated the course record, clocking a jaw-dropping 15:02—slicing 45 minutes off the previous best. Hot on his heels, young gun Eoin O’Connor (15:42:55) also dipped under the old record to claim second. Italy’s Luca Mirimin (18:15:57) from GTC rounded out the podium, proving Waterville’s trails are a global draw. Sadly, the two women in the race, Denise and Jenny, called it a day after over six hours of effort, but their spirit embodied the WTF ethos. Lessons learnt and they will be back !
Martin Durco was seen sleeping in his car in waterville early sunday morning … and we pondered if he would ever get up … However his dot woke up and finished that 3rd loop !
Everyone that does this distance agreeds that one of the highlights is the privilege of running through the Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve. Damian Landy said “It was incredibly peaceful with the sound of streams emerging during the late night second loop. The forecast was for a clear skies but I hadn’t expected the night running to feature deep dark skies with stars shining brighter than I’d experienced before. My longest loop passed the quickest “
43km Race & 2-Day Ultra Stage Race: Eagles, Ridges, and Rivalries
Sunday’s 43km race took runners to the edge—literally—climbing Eagle Hill (the highest point on the Kerry Way) and battling the infamous Termons Ridge, which feels like it stretches to the moon. This was also Day 2 of the 2-Day Ultra, blending runners from both events into a pulsating pack that tore through the early miles together.
In the standalone 43km, Sean Meehan lived up to his billing as favourite, powering to victory with Paul Flynn and Johnny Collins hot on his heels. The women’s race saw Abby Ring dominate, crossing the line five minutes ahead of Kerrie Collins, with Lisa Nolan not far behind, all three showcasing serious mettle.
The 2-Day Ultra, meanwhile, was a thriller. Eddie O’Connor, fresh off a 2:45 second-place finish at the Connemara Marathon the previous week, broke away after Eagle Hill to clinch the overall title—an astonishing feat of endurance and heart. Nick Hogan, a Waterville legend with multiple wins under his belt, took second with his trademark grin, proving sportsmanship is as vital as speed. Dave Barry, newly returned from the USA, nabbed third, while Cork’s Brian Buckley wasn’t far off the pace.
In the women’s 2-Day Ultra, Sinéad Egan was untouchable, finishing a full hour ahead of the field in a performance that left spectators gobsmacked. Caroline Fahy and Aoife Fennell battled valiantly to complete the podium, their efforts a testament to the sisterhood of the trails.
43km Results
Female:
- Abby Ring – 05:03:14 (see here)
- Kerrie Collins – 05:08:39
- Lisa Nolan – 05:19:05
Male:
- Sean Meehan – 03:54:53
- Paul Flynn – 04:05:31
- Johnny Collins – 04:07:02
2-Day Ultra Stage Race Results
Female:
- Sinéad Egan – 07:54:01
- Caroline Fahy – 08:56:45
- Aoife Fennell – 10:01:55
Male:
- Eddie O’Connor – 05:51:45 (see his pace here)
- Nick Hogan – 06:11:57
- Dave Barry – 06:24:45
More info :
For the full scoop on every finisher, check out the official results at www.runwtf.com
For some of the social media coverage by Eat Sleep Trail Run visit here
For amazing photos taken by Stephen Kelleghan please see here and here
