Expected October 2027
Distance
Climb
Start Time
Terrain
The Glendalough Night Challenge sends runners out into the Wicklow mountains after dark, starting from the upper lake carpark at Glendalough. Runners pick between a long course of 8.5 km with 455 m of climbing and a short course of 4.2 km, both on fully marked technical mountain terrain. GPS devices are permitted, but every runner must carry Level B safety kit and a torch suitable for running at night, with a backup torch or spare battery recommended. Entries are handled through the Irish Mountain Running Association and open on 19 October 2026, closing the evening before the race.
Night race in the Wicklow mountains
Fully marked route on technical terrain
Long course with 455 m of climbing
Short course option for younger runners and walkers
Starts from Glendalough Upper Lake
Qualification
Start / Finish
Glendalough Upper Lake carpark, Glendalough, County Wicklow
Glendalough Upper Lake area, County Wicklow
Terrain
Route
Race Day
What to bring
Waterproof jacket
Hat or buff
Gloves
Whistle
Charged mobile phone with an emergency number stored
Foil blanket, bivvy bag or equivalent
Torch suitable for running at night, preferably a head torch
Charged mobile phone with emergency number stored
Torch suitable for running at night - preferably a head torch
What you get
Fully marked route
Organiser instructions and markings on the day
Race director briefings
On the day
Marshals on course
Before you enter
Other questions
The long course covers 8.5 km with 455 m of climbing, while the short course covers 4.2 km. Both are on technical mountain terrain and both are fully marked.
Carrying the mandatory kit, including a whistle, a charged phone with an emergency number stored, and a foil blanket or bivvy bag, is the first line of protection. Follow the race director's instructions and markings, and look out for your fellow runners in the dark.
The Irish Mountain Running Association publishes the event entry and details at imra.ie. Always check the organiser's own page in the days before the race for any updates to the route, kit list or start arrangements.
Entry fee
Registration isn't open yet. We'll show pricing when the organiser confirms.Glendalough, Ireland
Expected October 2027
Provisional date, around Oct 22Are you the organiser of Glendalough Night Challenge?
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