Connemara Ultra is a 56km ultra marathon in Clifden, Ireland. Distance: 56km. Elevation: 1,200m D+. Difficulty: moderate (Challenge Rating 25/100). DNF rate: 8%. Time limit: 10h. Surface: mixed. Established 2011.
Connemara Ultra
Clifden, Connemara, Ireland
"56km through Ireland's wild Connemara — Atlantic coastline, turf bogs, and the Twelve Bens."
An authentic Irish ultra through Connemara's wild west coast — boreens, bogs, Atlantic waves, and the Twelve Bens mountain backdrop.
The Course
A scenic loop through Connemara on Ireland's wild west coast. The course follows boreens (country lanes), bog roads, and mountain trails past Atlantic coastline, turf bogs, and the Twelve Bens mountain range. Authentic Irish wilderness running.
rolling
loop
5
350m
Runner Experience
Standard aid station support with food, drinks, and basic medical assistance at regular intervals.
Warm, inclusive finish line with a strong community feel. Runners celebrate together regardless of finish time.
Race Day Weather
10°C
5° – 14°
85%
60%
Atlantic weather — rain is more likely than not. Wind constant from the ocean. Mild but wet. Classic Irish conditions.
Stats & Records
2011
300
6:30:00
3:42:15
Erik Condron (2023)
4:18:33
Aoife Mundow (2022)
Entry
€75
November
weeks
Lore & Trivia
The Connemara Ultra runs through one of Ireland's wildest landscapes — the bog-covered mountains, dramatic coastline, and Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) communities of western Galway. The course traverses the Twelve Bens mountain range and the Connemara bog roads, where the terrain is wet, the views are Atlantic, and the pubs at the finish serve the best Guinness in the West of Ireland. Irish ultra running has a unique character — convivial, rain-soaked, and utterly unpretentious.
- ▸ Connemara is one of the last Irish-speaking (Gaeltacht) regions in Ireland.
- ▸ The bog roads used in the race have been walked for centuries by turf cutters.
- ▸ The Twelve Bens mountain range provides a dramatic backdrop throughout the race.
- ▸ Connemara was described by Oscar Wilde as 'a savage beauty' — the race embodies this perfectly.
- ▸ Established in 2011.
Connemara is Ireland distilled — bogs, stone walls, Atlantic rain, and the Twelve Bens rising from the mist.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Connemara Ultra? +
Connemara Ultra is a 56km (56km) ultra marathon with 1,200m of elevation gain. The course is loop on mixed terrain.
How hard is Connemara Ultra? +
Connemara Ultra is rated moderate with a Challenge Rating of 25/100 (Moderate). The DNF rate is 8%. Runners have 10 hours to finish.
What is the weather like at Connemara Ultra? +
Average temperature is 10°C (range 5°C to 14°C) with 85% humidity and a 60% chance of rain. Atlantic weather — rain is more likely than not. Wind constant from the ocean. Mild but wet. Classic Irish conditions.
Are crew and pacers allowed at Connemara Ultra? +
No crew access is permitted. Pacers are not allowed.
What is the course record for Connemara Ultra? +
The men's course record is 3:42:15 set by Erik Condron in 2023. The women's course record is 4:18:33 set by Aoife Mundow in 2022.
What is the average finish time for Connemara Ultra? +
The average finish time is 6:30:00. About 300 runners finish each year. The DNF rate is 8%.
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