Blackstairs End to end
This is a point to point challenge in which the runner crosses the length of the Blackstairs Mountain Range. The runner chooses their route between each summit/checkpoint. Depending on route choice, the challenge is approximately 30k/1700m. Runner's can start at Ballinalor/Drummond Rd and finish at The Halfway House Pub (North to South) or vice versa. Separate records will be kept for each direction. There is no time limit on this challenge. Shane Furlong is the creator of Blackstairs End to End and he was part of the first team to complete it, along with PJ Meehan and Tom Owens, on June 18, 2022.
The Check Points
Ballinalour/Drummond roads meet 52.474169 -6.8852870
S 75785 36410
Ballycronigan Rock 52.499992 -6.8518268
S 78013 39319
White Mountain 52.506879 -6.8431990
S 78586 40095
Carrigroe 52.519147 -6.8327075
S 79277 41471
Carriglachan 52.530330 -6.8369075
S 78971 42711
Caher's Den 52.541097 -6.8184602
S 80204 43929
Blackstairs Mountain 52.549102 -6.8055331
S 81066 44834
Road crossing coming down from Blackstairs peak over to Shannon's Lane, both points easily found on Google maps.
Knockroe 52.592287 -6.7914605
S 81940 49655
Mountain Leinster 52.618187 -6.7803580
S 82643 52549
East Mount Leinster 52.621211 -6.7471924
S 84883 52924
Black Mountain 52.617642 -6.7278726
S 86198 52550
Halfway House Pub 52.617300 -6.6846346S 89127 525659
* Please see below photo of EastWest Mapping's Blackstairs & Mount Leinster Map showing new deer fencing near Scollagh Gap.
Rules and guidelines:
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Athletes must carry coat, hat, gloves, foil blanket, first aid kit, whistle, map/compass and/or gps for the duration of the challenge.
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Runners must announce their attempt to IMC, prior to their run.
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GPS devices are allowed and pacers are allowed. The same pacer(s) can not complete the length of the challenge with the runner. Otherwise, it will be considered a team completion.
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If a runner chooses to attempt their challenge unsupported and/or solely with map and compass navigation, then this will be specified on the results page.
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Completed challenges will be validated when a runner/s supply IMC with a gpx of their run. If a runner chooses to navigate solely via map/compass, and they would like this to be specified in their results, then they will have to supply gps tracking link from their run.
Disclaimer:
This is a personal challenge. IMC's only involvement is to agree to record attempts. Neither IMC, its servants or agents can accept any responsibility of any nature or kind for loss, damage or injury suffered by a participant who takes part or attempts Blackstairs End to End. Each participant takes part at their own risk and is fully responsible for their own safety, support and equipment.
