The Pooka — or Púca — is one of the mysterious shape-shifting creatures of Irish folklore.

Stories tell of the Pooka taking many forms and bringing either good fortune or bad to those who encounter it. Sometimes feared, sometimes regarded as a protector, the Pooka is an elusive and unpredictable character.

It seems a fitting name for the first ultra of MizMal®.

The question is: will the Pooka bring you good fortune on Day 1?

The MTC Pooka starts at Mizen Road, Cloghane, Goleen, before heading north towards Bantry and eventually finishing at the Eccles Hotel in Glengarriff.

The route follows much of the MizMal® route developed by Wild Atlantic Cycling, taking runners through some spectacular West Cork scenery.

The journey

START
Mizen Road, Cloghane, Goleen

↓ 8.7 miles

CHECKPOINT 1

↓ 8.8 miles

CHECKPOINT 2 – Dunbeacon

↓ 9.6 miles

CHECKPOINT 3 – Bantry Pier

↓ 11.9 miles

FINISH

Eccles Hotel, Glengarriff

TOTAL: 38 miles

The MTC Pooka is a race in its own right.

But it is also Day 1 of MizMal®.

MizMal® consists of 14 individual ultras, covering approximately 612 miles from Mizen Head to Malin Head, with each day having its own name, character and bespoke medal. Ultra Running

You can:

Run just the Pooka

or

Take on several individual MizMal® days

or

Take on the complete 14-day MizMal® challenge

Complete the full challenge and you'll collect 14 individual race medals plus the ultimate MizMal® medal.

How far will you go?

Every Pooka finisher receives a bespoke MTC Pooka medal.

And because this is part of the MizMal® series, your Pooka medal becomes the first piece of an extraordinary collection.

14 days. 14 bespoke medals. One ultimate MizMal® medal.

And if you take on the complete challenge, you'll have quite a story to tell.

There is more than a medal waiting at the finish.

Male and female Pooka champions will receive bespoke race trophies.

MTC POOKA — £90

Your race entry includes:

• Entry to the 38-mile MTC Pooka
• Bespoke Pooka finisher medal
• Checkpoint support
• Race tracking
• Route information and GPX supplied to competitors
• Food and drinks at checkpoints
• Finisher recognition

MTC POOKA PLUS — £155

Want a little more MizMal® kit?

Upgrade to the Pooka Plus Race Package, which includes:

• Everything included in standard entry
• Embroidered MTC Pooka race shirt
• Lightweight hi-vis race jacket

The Plus package must be booked at least four weeks before race day to guarantee clothing availability.

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.

The MTC Pooka is not a fully signed course, so competitors must be capable of navigating the route.

Entrants receive the race maps and GPX information before the event.

Each competitor is also provided with a tracking device with an SOS function, allowing their progress to be monitored during the race.

Mandatory kit includes:

• Backpack or equivalent
• Head torch and spare batteries
• Route maps
• Compass or GPS device
• Whistle
• Mobile phone
• Basic first-aid/blister kit
• Waterproof map case
• Emergency food

Please check the full race rules and mandatory equipment requirements before entering.

The MTC Pooka has preset checkpoint cut-offs based on a minimum average pace of 4 mph.

Checkpoint cut-offs

CP1 – 8.7 miles
Closes 2 hours 10 minutes after the race start

CP2 – 17.5 miles
Closes 4 hours 25 minutes after the race start

CP3 – 27.1 miles
Closes 6 hours 50 minutes after the race start

The minimum pace requirement is an important part of the event and competitors who fall below the required standard may be withdrawn.

You'll find a selection of food and drinks at the checkpoints.

Typical offerings include:

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

Food selections may vary on race day.

The standalone MTC Pooka 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. Ultra Running

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.

The Mount to Coast MizMal® is a quadrennial event.

The inaugural edition takes place in 2027.

If you miss this one, the next opportunity won't come around until 2031.

You don't need to commit to all fourteen days.

Choose your challenge.

38 miles. One day. Ireland.

Can you take on the Pooka?

ENTER THE MTC POOKA – 7th MAY 2027

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 POOKA 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 POOKA start & finish locations:

Start Location:
Mizen Road, Cloghane, Goleen, P81 NY52. What3words - ///lakes.shoved.estimated

CP1, 8.7 miles:
Co. Cork, Ireland. What3words - ///faultless.eagles.transistor

CP2, 8.8 miles, (17.5 miles):
R591, Dunbeacon, Co. Cork, Ireland. What3words - ///selects.unify.allegations

CP3, 9.6 miles, (27.1 miles):
Bantry Pier, Seafield, Co. Cork, Ireland. What3words - ///exhausting.pivot.strokes

Finish Location, 11.9 miles, (38 miles):
Eccles Hotel, P75 A072. What3words - ///pushback.safaris.memoir

Total distance – 38 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, where, under their own steam they make their way back home.

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.