My first Ultra...suggestions please?

buck65

I intend running an ultra-marathon next year. This year I am just building up the mileage and doing some IMRA races along with alot of off road running.
What would your suggestions be for a first time ultra runner? What ultra should I run?


Keep in mind the following.

It must be mostly off road - trail preferably rather than paths (ruling out Portumna)
Not afraid of an undulating course - a few climbs are most welcome without going crazy.
Preferably in the early summer or autumn.

also any hints on training appreciated.

Thanks.

Krusty_Clown

Sounds like the Wicklow Way Ultra would fit the bill nicely. 51kms, very undulating, mostly on trails, it only misses the mark on timing, as it's typically held in mid-March.

PJD

Head to Scotland for the west highland way race.... Check their website.
Its 95 miles with some amazing scenery.

b.harte

There is a 39.3mile (3 x 13.1m laps) in Aherlow this September, organised by the Munster arm of IMRA. Why not target that as end of season.
There are details on the MMRA facebook page, the lap is nice, mostly off road.
Judging by their recent Ballyhoura marathon it should be well run and well supported.
Not affiliated (directly) but I do know the organisers have put a lot of effort into the course choice to appeal to trail runners.

Donedea was most definitely off road this year - and a superb event - with a lovely t-shirt

Alf. A. Male

The Stone Mad Ultra sounds right on the timing, not sure about the surfaces and the profile may be even flatter than you want though.

Alf. A. Male

The Stone Mad Ultra sounds right on the timing, not sure about the surfaces and the profile may be even flatter than you want though.

dquirke1

Might be a bit long for a first event but the Kerry way ultra seems to fit the bill.
Hoping to make it myself this year if all goes according to plan :-)
By the sounds of it, there'll be a much bigger field this year as well...

Enduro

Two races which haven't been mentioned so far which are coming up...

Wicklow Way race : It does have quite a bit of road towards the end. But its an iconic route. You'd need to be in good shape now to do it.

Mourne Way Ultra: approximatly double marathon in length. It's an out and back route along the Mourne Way Marathon course, giving you the views from both perspectives! A super race, well organised with a good amosphere. The course is great, and the Mournes would be in my top 3 mountain ranges in Ireland. Overall highly recommended.

Later in the year the Causway Coast Ultra is also a fantastic route, organised by the same gang as the Mourne Way races.

If you want to travel beyond Ireland there are a huge number of options.

My main suggestion would be to start trying a few races and basically treating them as training runs, to get to know what its like to run the various distances and terraines. Don't build up too much emphasis on doing your first ultra as a race.

George Chinaglia

Alf. A. Male wrote: »

The Stone Mad Ultra sounds right on the timing, not sure about the surfaces and the profile may be even flatter than you want though.

Day 1 of the Stonemad Ultra is flat as a pancake alright, along the Barrow. Day 2 though has a good bit of climbing in it.
stonemadultra.com/index.php/route/description (sorry, can't link it as I'm too new)
You wouldn't have to do both days, or the full distance either day I think.

TFBubendorfer

What Enduro said. We do have quite a few fantastic choices in Ireland.

And don't do the Kerry Way ultra or the whw as your first ultra.