Donard Commedagh (c)

Donard Commedagh (c)

Category: Medium
Distance: 10.9 km
Elevation: 1050m

NIMRA Championship: Race 2

Enter online here.

After a couple of years in the wilderness the granddaddy of mountain races returns!

This year there will be prizes for the fastest time between the Donard and Commedagh Towers (sponsored by Hanna Bros).

The Course

The race starts at sea level in Donard Park, there is a free route choice to the first checkpoint at Thomas’s Quarry (Checkpoint 1: map ref. 371292).

From the quarry, the main climb to the summit of Slieve Donard is next – almost 2,000ft in 2km. The terrain is mostly heather and grass, with areas of boulders as it steepens towards the summit. You will first see the Lesser Cairn, which is 250m before and 30m below the checkpoint (2: map ref. 358277) at the large summit Cairn, beside the tower at the corner of the Mourne Wall.

From this point, Slieve Commedagh is approximately 1.6km away, with a 900ft descent to the col and a 600ft climb. You should follow the wall to checkpoint three at Commedagh Tower (not the Summit Carin, grid ref TBC).

From the tower is is out towards the summit cairn and a short run along the top edge of the Pot of Pulgarve, with a 250ft descent followed by a slight climb to Shanslieve.

The route is then downhill all the way to the finish at sea level – almost 2,200ft of descent in 4km. The section to the checkpoint (4: map ref. 363296) at the stile on the edge of the forest, is a mixture of grass and short heather with stony patches, becoming steeper with some rock when approaching the forest. Take care on the descent if conditions are misty; you will need a compass bearing as the ridge is both broad and deceptive.

From the stile it’s a free route choice back to your starting point in Donard Park.

Logistics

Registration Open: 9.30am to 10.30am in Donard Park
On the day entry available until 10.15 sharp
Start Time: 11am
Entry: £10 / £12 (attached / unattached)

Refreshments will be served in Donard Park afterwards. This is once again a bring your own cup event. There will be a £2 charge for disposable cups.

Mandatory Kit
The following kit must be carried:
Map (colour) of route
Compass
Waterproof Coat with HOOD and taped seams
Waterproof Trousers with taped seams
Whistle
Hat
Gloves
Foil Blanket.

There will be a kit check at registration and spot checks at the finish. You will be unable to start / disqualified if you cannot produce all of the items on the mandatory start list. No exceptions.

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