Kerry Way Ultra is a 200km ultra marathon in Killarney, Ireland. Distance: 200km. Elevation: 5,500m D+. Difficulty: brutal (Challenge Rating 50/100). DNF rate: 35%. Time limit: 72h. Surface: trail. Established 2013.
Kerry Way Ultra
Killarney, Kerry, Ireland
"200km around the Iveragh Peninsula. Atlantic storms and Irish hospitality."
A 200km nonstop loop around Ireland's Iveragh Peninsula.
The Course
A 200km non-stop ultra following Ireland's longest waymarked trail through County Kerry. The route circles the Iveragh Peninsula — crossing the MacGillycuddy Reeks (Ireland's highest mountains), skirting glacial lakes, traversing Atlantic coastal paths, and winding through ancient oak woodlands. The terrain is relentlessly undulating: boggy mountain passes, rocky coastal sections, and muddy farm tracks that test every surface skill.
hilly
loop
10
Runner Experience
Remote course with widely spaced aid points. Runners should be prepared for long unsupported stretches.
Intimate finish in a remote setting. The camaraderie of shared hardship creates deep bonds between finishers.
Race Day Weather
13°C
8° – 17°
85%
65%
West of Ireland autumn — expect rain. Green for a reason.
Stats & Records
2013
60
56:00:00
Entry
€200
January
weeks
Lore & Trivia
The Kerry Way Ultra follows Ireland's longest waymarked trail through County Kerry — the southwestern corner of Ireland where the Gulf Stream keeps the landscape improbably green. The 200km route circles the Iveragh Peninsula past Killarney's famous lakes, over the MacGillycuddy's Reeks (Ireland's highest mountains at 1,039m), and along Atlantic coastal paths where the next landfall is Newfoundland. The race runs non-stop through two nights, and the Irish hospitality at aid stations — hot soup, soda bread, cups of Barry's tea — is legendary in the ultra community. This is Ireland at its most dramatic: mountains plunging into the Atlantic, ancient stone forts on clifftops, and rain that comes sideways.
- ▸ The Iveragh Peninsula is home to the Ring of Kerry.
- ▸ Atlantic weather means rain is almost guaranteed.
- ▸ Traditional Irish pubs in villages offer mid-race hospitality.
- ▸ Established in 2013.
- ▸ Total elevation gain: 5500m.
Two hundred kilometres of Kerry. Two nights. And the kind of Irish rain that soaks through waterproofs, skin, and willpower.
Notable Editions
Record Rainfall Edition
The 2018 edition ran through some of the heaviest rainfall in Kerry's history. Trails became rivers, rivers became impassable, and the race route was modified mid-event. Those who finished earned legendary status in the Irish ultra community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Kerry Way Ultra? +
Kerry Way Ultra is a 200km (200km) ultra marathon with 5,500m of elevation gain. The course is loop on trail terrain.
How hard is Kerry Way Ultra? +
Kerry Way Ultra is rated brutal with a Challenge Rating of 50/100 (Challenging). The DNF rate is 35%. Runners have 72 hours to finish.
How do I enter Kerry Way Ultra? +
100km+ ultra finish. Entry costs €200. with a maximum of 100 starters.
What is the weather like at Kerry Way Ultra? +
Average temperature is 13°C (range 8°C to 17°C) with 85% humidity and a 65% chance of rain. West of Ireland autumn — expect rain. Green for a reason.
Are crew and pacers allowed at Kerry Way Ultra? +
Crew access is allowed. Pacers are allowed. Mandatory gear is required.
What is the average finish time for Kerry Way Ultra? +
The average finish time is 56:00:00. About 60 runners finish each year. The DNF rate is 35%.
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