MTC Leprechaun

One of the most recognisable characters in Irish folklore — but don't be fooled by his appearance.

Traditionally portrayed as a small, solitary figure, the Leprechaun is renowned for his cunning, trickery and exceptional skill as a shoemaker.

Legend tells that Leprechauns are guardians of hidden treasure. Capture one and he may offer wishes or reveal the whereabouts of his treasure in return for his freedom.

But beware...

Take your eyes off him for a moment and he may disappear.

Elusive, mischievous and notoriously difficult to catch, the Leprechaun provides the perfect legend for Day 2 of MizMal®.

You may not discover a pot of gold at the end of your 43-mile journey...

But you will earn your bespoke MTC Leprechaun medal.

Your Leprechaun adventure begins at the Eccles Hotel in Glengarriff, surrounded by the spectacular scenery of West Cork.

From Glengarriff, the route heads north, taking you across the county border and into County Kerry, as you make your way towards one of Ireland’s best-known destinations — Killarney.

After 43 miles of running, and around 1,250 metres of ascent, your journey ends at the Killarney Court Hotel.

It's a point-to-point ultra that gives you a real sense of travelling through Ireland on foot — starting in one town and finishing somewhere completely different.

Glengarriff → Killarney.
43 miles. Two counties. One unforgettable Irish ultra. ☘️

The MTC Leprechaun is a 43-mile ultra, starting from the Eccles Hotel, Glengarriff and finishing at the Killarney Court Hotel, Killarney.

It is also Day 2 of the Mount to Coast MizMal®, meaning Leprechaun competitors will share the route with athletes attempting the complete 14-day journey across Ireland.

Competitors should be prepared for changing weather conditions and must carry the mandatory clothing and equipment detailed within the race rules.

For safety and event management, competitors are expected to maintain an average pace of at least 4 mph. Competitors who fall below the required standard may be withdrawn from the event.

Standalone Leprechaun entries are limited to just 20 places, with a further allocation for competitors undertaking the complete MizMal® challenge.

The MTC Leprechaun is a cup-free event, so every competitor must carry their own reusable cup.

Complete the MTC Leprechaun and you'll earn your very own:

Bespoke MTC Leprechaun Finisher Medal

And there's something extra for those racing at the front...

🏆 Male Champion – Bespoke Leprechaun Trophy
🏆 Female Champion – Bespoke Leprechaun Trophy

Every MizMal® race has its own unique medal, so competitors taking on several days can build their own collection from The Myths & Legends of MizMal®.

And for those attempting the complete 14-day challenge?

14 individual race medals + the ultimate MizMal® medal = 15 medals.

MTC LEPRECHAUN entry options:

MTC Leprechaun – £90

Your entry into the complete 43-mile MTC Leprechaun ultra.

MTC Leprechaun Plus Race Package – £155

Includes your race entry plus:

👕 Embroidered MTC Leprechaun race shirt
🦺 Lightweight hi-vis race jacket

To guarantee supply of personalised race clothing, the Plus Race Package must be booked at least four weeks before race day.

All deposits and payments are on a non refundable basis.

The West Cork weather can change quickly.

Competitors must bring suitable clothing and equipment for the conditions and carry the required mandatory kit.

The race is cup-free, so please bring your own reusable cup.

Navigation and Tracking:

Maps and GPX downloads will be available to entrants only – (don’t forget to bring a waterproof map case). Competitors can be tracked in real time using the tracking link published on this webpage during the race.

Competitors must carry the following items:

Backpack or equivalent
Head Torch with spare batteries
Route maps will be provided to competitors prior to race day.
Compass or GPS device
Whistle
Mobile phone
Basic First Aid Kit, blister treatment, pain relief etc
Waterproof map case

URL will provide each competitor with a tracking device which will enable individuals progress to be monitored and recorded. The tracking devices also have inbuilt SOS buttons in case of an emergency or required assistance.

MTC LEPRECHAUN Time Restrictions:

The MTC LEPRECHAUN has preset cut-off times along the route, based on a minimum average of 4 mph.

MTC LEPRECHAUN start & finish locations:

The checkpoint closing times currently work out as:

CP1 – 8.5 miles: closes 2hr 10min after the start
CP2 – 16.5 miles: closes 4hr 10min
CP3 – 24 miles: closes 6hr
CP4 – 32.6 miles: closes 8hr 10min
Finish – 43.2 miles.

Start Location:
Eccles Hotel, P75 A072. What3words - ///pushback.safaris.memoir

CP1, 8.5 miles:
Releagh, Co. Kerry, Ireland, V93 HY26. What3words - ///yearbooks.holidays.churn
Closes 2hr 10 min after race start

CP2, 8 miles, (16.5 miles):
9-5 N71, Co. Kerry, Ireland. What3words - ///plausible.entwined.convoluted
Closes 4hr 10min after race start

CP3, 7.5 miles, (24 miles):
Derrynafunsha, Molls Gap, Co. Kerry. What3words - ///witless.gesture.creeps
Closes 6hr after race start

CP4, 8.6 miles, (32.6 miles):
Dunloe Upper, Gap of Dunloe, Co. Kerry. What3words - ///medical.canned.larger
Closes 8hr 10min after race start

Finish Location, 10.6 miles, (43.2 miles):
Killarney Court Hotel, V93 HNN1. What3words - ///cycled.tribune.edit

Total distance – 43.2 miles

Check-point food:

The MTC Leprechaun is a cup-free race, so please remember to carry your own reusable cup.

Checkpoint provisions may vary, but typically include:

Malt loaf • Cake • Jam • Peanut butter • Cheese or Marmite sandwiches • Sweets • Squash • Cola • Water

The standalone MTC Leprechaun field is limited to just 20 runners, with an additional allowance for competitors taking part in the full MizMal® challenge. The overall maximum is 40 runners.

That means this is going to be a small, personal and very special first edition.

If you're thinking about it, don't leave it too late.

Ultrarunning are excited to be partnering with Wild Atlantic Cycling Tours Limited. We are taking the MizMal ® brand to the running masses with the support and backing of Wild Atlantic Cycling - the architects of the original Mizen Head to Malin Head point-to-point route.

If you are a runner who also loves to cycle, why not book to complete this great cycling route with Wild Atlantic Cycling?

Pedal your way up Ireland's west coast and the Wild Atlantic Way with full support from the friendly and professional team. Airport transfers, daily luggage portage, great hotels and attentive van support are all included.

You will love the challenge of riding an average of 142 km per day and 1,290 metres of climbing. You will also love the chance to experience the unique culture, music and people of the Irish west coast. Each evening brings the opportunity to have a refreshing pint in a local pub whilst listening to some Irish music. Evening meals will be more than fit to sustain you and the breakfasts are delicious and plentiful. Some hotels have spas and pools to ease your quads and calf muscles after each day's ride.

Find out more about cycling MizMal

Route Map of MizMal by Bike

MTC LEPRECHAUN Maps and gpx files:

URL are continually adapting their routes and it is a work in progress that has, and continues to, cost us a not insignificant amount of money and time.

It is for this reason that we only provide race mapping and gpx information to our own competitors. This information is emailed directly to competitors four weeks before the event.

MTC LEPRECHAUN start & finish locations:

Start Location:
Eccles Hotel, P75 A072. What3words - ///pushback.safaris.memoir

CP1, 8.5 miles:
Releagh, Co. Kerry, Ireland, V93 HY26. What3words - ///yearbooks.holidays.churn

CP2, 8 miles, (16.5 miles):
9-5 N71, Co. Kerry, Ireland. What3words - ///plausible.entwined.convoluted

CP3, 7.5 miles, (24 miles):
Derrynafunsha, Molls Gap, Co. Kerry. What3words - ///witless.gesture.creeps

CP4, 8.6 miles, (32.6 miles):
Dunloe Upper, Gap of Dunloe, Co. Kerry. What3words - ///medical.canned.larger

Finish Location, 10.6 miles, (43.2 miles):
Killarney Court Hotel, V93 HNN1. What3words - ///cycled.tribune.edit

Total distance – 43.2 miles

Please visit our shop to see a wide range of race related products;

• Personalised Hoodies
• Personalised Shirts
• Personalised Caps
• Personalised Race mugs with your name and finishing time
• Reusable race Cups

By signing up to one of Ultra Running Ltd events you agree to abide by our general race rules;

The following are the race rules that apply to all Ultra Running Ltd events and should be adhered to by all race participants.

Each participant must make sure he/she is carrying all items detailed in the mandatory kit list

Competitors must follow the designated route and go through all check points and it is their sole responsibility to ensure that the check point attendant has recorded their race number and entry/exit time along with any injuries; failure to do so at any check point will mean the competitor has failed to complete the race and may be disqualified.

All entrants must be 18 years or over on the start day of the race.

Mandatory Kit List

Competitors must carry the following items. Anyone found not to have the correct kit may not be allowed to start the race

Backpack or equivalent
Head Torch with spare batteries
Route maps as provided by URL
Compass or GPS device
Whistle
Mobile phone
Emergency food pack consisting of a two chocolate bars,
Basic first Aid Kit

Competitor Retirement

If any competitor has to retire from the race for whatever reason they must tell the race organisers immediately. URL will then transport the competitor to the nearest train station, from where they will be responsible for making their own onward travel arrangements.

Time Constraints

The organisers want to give every competitor the opportunity of completing the race and will, where reasonable practicable, allow generous opening times of CP Stations; the allowance should be within an average of 4.0 miles per hour. If you fall below the 4.0 miles per hour you will be pulled from the race without concession.

Cancellation

In the event of Ultra Running Ltd. having to cancel the event, an alternative date will be provided. If re-scheduling of the event isn’t possible, or a competitor cannot make the revised date. URL undertakes to refund payments received, less any out of pocket expenses which are determined at 25%.

For all other circumstances, including Competitor cancellations due to personal reasons, refunds are not allowed. But at the discretion of the organisers an entry may be transferred to the following years race providing the request is within four weeks of the event date.

Any ‘transferred races’ or ‘reduced rate races’ are not refundable or transferable in any respect.

Race Photography

Ultra Running Ltd. reserve all exclusive rights relating to photographic coverage of their races. By entering an event, participants agree that Ultra Running Ltd may exclusively use any photographic or textual content captured during the event for advertisement purposes.

Ultra Running Limited (URL) Terms & Conditions

The Agreement

This document constitutes an agreement between you (the Entrant) and URL (the Organiser). Entry into any of the URL races (the Events) is strictly conditional upon the entrant agreeing to all of the terms and conditions contained within this document (the Agreement). It is all entrants responsibility to have read and accepted this agreement before entering/registering for one or more of URL events. All entrants must be aged 18 and over.

Registration Process

Entrants are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of their personal records within the event database. Should any information change between registration and participation, it is the individual entrants’ responsibility to ensure that they contact URL to update their records accordingly.

Entry Fees must be paid in full before entry to the event will be confirmed.

All event fees are NON REFUNDABLE under any circumstance.

By entering one of URL events, all entrants have acknowledged that they have read and agree to the event terms and conditions prior to their entry in to the event being confirmed. By doing so, the entrant is unreservedly accepting all of the terms and conditions of this agreement.

Use of Personal Data

The organiser or their agents will maintain a registration database for all entrants and their chosen emergency contact. All information will be collected, stored and processed in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018.

The organiser may use the entrants contact information to keep them informed of the event or to notify them of other events organised or promoted by URL.

Entrants give permission for the organisers, their agents, or any other associated organisations to use any photographs, video tapes, motion pictures, website images, recordings, or any other record of the event. Such articles may be used or included on websites, social media publications, advertising, promotional information, or other publicly accessible sources.

Personal Ability to Participate

It is the entrants’ responsibility to ensure they train appropriately and have the requisite level of fitness to be able to complete safely.

Entrants must ensure their personal health is suitable for participating in the event. If in any doubt the entrant should consult their doctor.

It is the responsibility of the entrant to ensure the organisers are informed at the point of entry of any medical conditions that could be relevant for any first-aid treatment.

If a participant believes that it is unsafe for them to continue in the event, it is their duty to notify an event official as soon as practicable.

Participants must be competent runners & confident in their ability to complete the course safely.

Participation in the Event

The event is a race.

Participants must act in accordance with the law and adhere to both the Highway Code and the Country Code, where applicable.

Participants are responsible for competing safely and with due respect for others.

Participants must comply with the instructions of the organisers and other course officials.

The majority of URL event routes are NOT signed, the onus of remaining on course rests with the athlete. Marshall’s are placed in appropriate places, according to the individual event and are there for your safety.

Should circumstances dictate, or in the interest of safety, the organisers reserve the right to make such changes to the published event routes as may be deemed necessary at their absolute discretion. In the event of the landowner e.g. the Forestry Commission or National Trust deeming it necessary to close access to the public, we the organisers reserve the right to a) reschedule or if this is not possible b) cancel the event. This will, in all cases be a last resort.

The organiser reserves the right to require a participant to retire from the race where their conduct is considered to be inappropriate. If required to retire the participant must surrender their race number to an event official and take no further part in the event.

Participants have a duty to report to an event official as soon as practicable, anything that they see or hear which they reasonably believe may impact on the safety or welfare of themselves or others, connected to the event or otherwise.

Whilst appropriate risk assessments will be carried out before the event, competitors assume full and complete responsibility for any injury or accident which may occur whilst travelling to or from the event, during the event, or whilst on any premises related to the event.

Racing in public places can be dangerous, all participants in this event must agree to waive, release and forever discharge the event organisers, sponsors, promoters, and each of their agents, representatives, successors and assigns, and all other persons associated with the event, from any liabilities, claims, actions, or damages that they may have against them arising out of or in any way connected with participation in this event. This includes any claims, whether caused by negligence, the action or inaction of any of the above parties, or otherwise.

Cancellation & Refunds

Entry fees for all URL events are NON REFUNDABLE under any circumstance.

Should circumstances dictate, or in the interest of safety, the organisers reserve the right to make such changes to the published event routes as may be deemed necessary at their absolute discretion. In the event of a force majeure, we the organisers reserve the right to a) reschedule or if this is not possible b) cancel the event. This will, in all cases be a last resort.

Defer Option: Available through the booking system up to 4 weeks before the event date for a fee of £15.

Entrants must exercise their own experience and judgement regarding their ability, equipment and preparedness to cope with the prevailing elements before they commence.

General Provisions

This agreement constitutes the whole agreement between the parties and any prior agreement, oral or written, are excluded.

Any failure by any party to enforce or to exercise at any time any term or any right under this agreement shall not be deemed to be a waiver of that term or right and shall not affect that party’s right to later enforce or to exercise it.

If any term of this agreement is found to be illegal or unenforceable it shall be deemed to be omitted from the agreement and shall not affect the validity of the remainder of the agreement.

Nothing in this agreement confers any right on third parties to enforce the provisions of this agreement under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999.