Waterville Trailrunning Festival - 43km Trail

Race Details

The WTF 43km Trail is part of the Waterville Trailrunning Festival, taking place on Sunday 3rd May 2026. A single clockwise loop of the Kerry Way starting and finishing in Waterville — fastest runner wins.

Distance: 43.2km Ascent/Descent: 1,240 metres Race Format: Single Day, Single Loop ITRA Points: 1

Start Time & Cut-off

• Race Start: 09:00, Sunday 3rd May
• Finish Line Cut-off: 18:00 (9 hours)

Route Overview A 43.2km clockwise loop of the Kerry Way starting in Waterville, heading north over Termons ridge to the North of Lough Currane, dropping into Glenmore, facing the toughest climb to Eagle Hill (the highest point on the Kerry Way), descending into Caherdaniel, hugging coastal cliffs, joining the Mass Path through Coomikista, and returning to Waterville village. Stunning mountainside, single track and tarred road with majestic sea views, rugged mountain passes and a 5km ridge run with unparalleled views across Ballinskelligs Bay.

Start & Finish Mick O'Dwyer Park, Waterville

Sign-in & Number Collection @ The Lobster Bar & Restaurant, Waterville Sunday 3rd May, 06:30–08:00

Entry Fee: €80 (non-refundable and non-transferable)

Included in Entry

• GPS tracker and link to race tracking site
• Public liability insurance
• Wilderness first responder assistance
• Free parking
• Fully way marked route
• Branded finishers souvenirs
• Finish line food and refreshments

Aid Station One aid station at Paul's Halfway House (22km point) with water, tea, coffee, soup, fruit, sweet and savoury snacks. No drop bags permitted at the aid station.

Facilities Showers, changing rooms and toilets available at Waterville GAA grounds (~300m from start/finish).

Parking Free parking at Waterville IRD Car Park and Waterville GAA grounds (~300m from start/finish).

Awards Ceremony Medals presented at the finish line. Trophy presentations to 1st Male and 1st Female at The Lobster Bar, Waterville on Sunday 3rd May @ 18:30.

Mandatory Race Kit

• Fully waterproof taped rain jacket
• Hat & gloves
• Fully charged mobile phone
• GPS tracker (provided by WTF)
• Paper map or GPS device with route loaded
• Compass
• Whistle
• Survival bivvy or foil blanket
• First Aid Kit (min. 2 sticking plasters, 1 conforming bandage, 1 triangular bandage/sling)
• Means to carry 500ml or more of water

All kit must be carried at all times and cannot be shared.

Rules

• Entrants must be over 18 years of age
• Official Kerry Way marked route must be followed
• No short cuts allowed
• Leave No Trace — littering results in disqualification
• Crew support permitted on national roads only (not trails or off-road sections)

Contact [email protected] | Emergency: 0876595997 (email preferred for general enquiries)