12/02/2026
Race Report — February 7th, 2026
IMRA SLi CHORCAÍ — Ballyvourney to Drimoleague
Distance: 60–62 km, 1800–1900 m
Weather: Drizzle, 8–10°C. Warm rain for the first 26 km, clearer skies later, fog on the hills. Felt particularly warm around 4 pm. heading up the final climb out of Kealkill.
Goal: 8–10 hours. Predicted 8 min/km pace with a 9‑hour finish.
Category: F55
16 women(20%) out of 82 runners started this race, this is a definite increase from previous years but we need more of us out there. This course is tough, beautiful, wild, and absolutely doable with the right preparation. IMRA and the volunteers are supportive and the courses will be challenging and adventure always awaits. If you’re thinking about signing up, I hope this report helps you feel ready.
Pre‑Race Preparation
Drop Bag Preparation:
Despite all the ultra distance races I’ve completed, drop‑bag prep always takes longer than expected. Starting early in the week makes a huge difference.
What helped:
• Laying out what I planned to wear/carry(always look at the mandatory kit) early in the week
• Reviewing nutrition in stock(do I need to order/buy more?)
• Looking at the course and deciding where I might need socks, shoes, poles, or different foods
• Shopping early with a clear plan for drop bag foods, drinks, wipes, foot care
Shoe Selection;
This was the biggest dilemma. I considered starting in a more cushioned shoe (for me Brooks Caldera 6) and switching at 26 km when heading onto the mountain sections. The race director Robbie sent a message the day before saying conditions were poor and grip was essential. He was absolutely right, the early fields and descents were lethal.
I chose my Mount to Coast T1 shoes because I had three decent long runs in them and felt confident in their grip. They were perfect for the boggy terrain, I didn’t slip once. I’d wear them again for this type of ground. However, my left knee didn’t love the lack of cushioning compared to my Brooks. On the road sections, the shoes felt like suction units. My stride changed so much I kept clipping my left heel off my right ankle bone.Sore!
At 26 km in Gougane, I changed socks, out of my soaked Injinji toe socks and into light Spocks plus Sealskinz waterproof socks. It took time but was the right call. My feet felt cushioned and stayed warm and dry until the final 8 km, where the bog was knee‑deep. In hindsight,
I’d probably start in the Brooks for cushioning and switch to Mount to Coast for the technical sections. These races teach us what works and this is the kind of troubleshooting we need before the even bigger days out. Don't under estimate the importance or the right shoe selection!
Family Logistics
I faffed around all week with what was the best plan for the family. I finally had a plan by Thursday. Mike was handling the family weekend schedule (he’s the reason I can do these races) but he dropped me on race morning. I had a lift home arranged although in the end he came to collect me and ran the last 50 m with me.Next time I need to sort logistics earlier. These are details that can take up space in your mind. Get planning early.
Pre Race Nerves:
I was genuinely happy with how I managed nerves. I stayed calm, slept as well as I can at the moment, and did some visualisation picturing the morning, the start line, and working backwards through timings.
From this I had a better plan for the bus journey to the start line: I decided on the following
• Disposable water bottle needed so I could sip on water for the hours journey
• A Kellogg’s Krispy bar (simple solid carbs settled my stomach). I did notice some runners got sick on arrival, so I was glad I’d prepared.
The main thing was I committed to running my own race and as usual I put effort over pace. I had target times, but they were there to keep me focused, not to dictate the day.
Race Morning:
We left home at 5:35 a.m. I ate overnight oats with protein powder and blueberries in the car. This always goes down well and I rarely deviate from that combination. Registration went smoothly. I dropped my bags, chatted with friends, and felt that familiar buzz of the first race of the year for many.
At the start line:
• A wild wee at the crossroads
• Warm‑up chat and hop around with trail friends
• Irish music blasting from a mini amp
• Flags, mist, grey skies, and quiet anticipation
Runners are always so silent at the start of these races and everyone is in their own head, ready for the effort ahead.
The Race:
Early Kilometres
The first few kilometres felt awful. The pace was fine, but the effort felt high. Too much treadmill lately, not enough road. The shoes were grippy and unforgiving. Then the rain came. Volunteers at the stiles and slippery grass sections encouraging us on, we all knew it would be a tough day.
Gougane Barra checkpoint
The reflection of the church on the water and the lifting cloud distracted me from the discomfort in my feet and knee. I took my time here to change socks and face the first big climb. I didn’t eat at the station but refilled bottles and had a wrap on the first part of climbing out of Gougane.
I felt strong on the hike. I was taking in about 60g/hr of carbohydrate with gels/carb drinks. The day was brightening up. A friendly word from another runner, the sight of a French and Aussie runner ahead, sheep watching us, what a crowd.
Slippy Descent & Middle Section
The Mount to Coast shoes proved their worth on the slick descents. The next 10 km climbed steadily. I recognised parts of the route from a run pre Kerry Way Ultra and remembered how strong this sport makes us feel. Other than that, flow state and getting it done kept me going.
Kealkill & 42 km Aid Station
The road descent into Kealkill wasn’t great for the knee, but I was hydrating and eating well and had found my rhythm. At the 42 km checkpoint three strong women runners had arrived at the same time as I had. Two left before me. I made it a fast turnaround, Aine, one of the volunteers, filled bottles, I ate my rice pudding, and had a quick chat. Out efficiently was the motto. I was told by another volunteer not to let the two women ahead of me out of my sight. The encouragement you get on these races is astounding. With all the haste and leaving quickly I soon realised I’d left my small nutrition bag behind. Classic. First for everything and even in race mode nutrition experts can do silly things with nutrition! What was I thinking?
I pivoted:
• Carb drink mix would suffice and be diligent with additions
• Baby pouch food works for me and I had eaten my peanut butter and jam wrap
• A couple of bars were extra in bag pockets
• I picked up banana, jellies, and added more carb mix at the next water stop at Meelagh valley
It will be fine!
Final Section
I passed the two women and again more encouragement from them and pushed through the boggy hills of Mullaghmesha where new rivers had formed and the bog was knee deep. I knew this section well and made good progress on the mountain, but the road and downhill was agony on my knee. I could barely run and it was more of a shuffle. Passed by the fast Gaya before Castledonovan and soon after the 2 girls came up behind me. I raced the best I could on the river side trails, but the last 2km of road were too painful to run properly. Not an energy issue despite my nutrition error, just the knee.I settled into the final uphill, a little sad the day was ending, and then saw Mike at the top. Magic.
Final Thoughts;
The sound of water all day stands out. The streams, rivers, bogs, everything flowing.
I pushed when I could, raced when I could, took in the views, and crossed the finish line happy and proud. At any low points I asked myself… Why do I do this? And the race answered it:
It’s the process.
The focus.
The feelings.
The recce runs with friends.
The day out.
The community.
The countryside and the trails.
And it’s knowing that the trails are for everyone, even if you are half‑thinking about signing up, do it. Prepare well, trust yourself, and you’ll surprise yourself.
Recovery now and onwards to the next race and the next block of training, always hoping for more adventurous miles ahead.
