Galway Trail Running

Join is in the wonderful world of dot watching: https://live.opentracking.co.uk/sspine2026/

GTR legend, Ed Payne, is only 10 miles from the finish line at this year's Montane Spine Race. And...... he's in 1st place! 🏆

G'wn the Ed! 🐄

Ed Payne Trail Running Ireland Trail & Ultra Running Ireland

A nice read about the IMRA Western Yards event hosted at the Kilcornan Walled Garden, Woods and Trails over the weekend.

In the rain-soaked woodlands of Kilcornan, 136 runners answered the bell for the inaugural IMRA West Backyard Ultra (Galway Trail Running). What unfolded over 35 hours was more than a race — it was a masterclass in resilience, community, and quiet courage.

Colin Dockery dug deep through a brutal second night to claim victory and a new course record, pushed every step by Gallagher’s heroic 34-yard effort.

But beyond the miles, it was the shared camp spirit, volunteers smiling in the rain, and runners supporting one another that defined the weekend.
Read the full story by Seanie Runner Clifford of how the West answered the bell.

https://www.trailrunningireland.com/news/imra-west-backyard-ultra-2026-when-the-rain-fell-and-the-west-answered

Some stats for you from the weekend's event.

Just shows you that backyard ultras events aren't just for the lunatics. A huge amount of runners hitting PBs, personal targets, their first ultra marathon, 12 hour goal and so much more.

Looking for something different, join us in 2027 for the IMRA Western Yards Backyard Ultra. The venue is booked for the June Bank Holiday, kicking off at noon on Saturday 5th June.

The man himself (and herself).

Huge congrats to Colin for pushing through everything to take the win in Kilcornan over the weekend. Magic!

Colin Dockery

That's a wrap on the 2026 IMRA Connacht Backyard Ultra 💚

Another magical weekend with amazing humans at the Kilcornan Garden, Trails and Woods 🔥💪🏽

Race directors Francis and Aidan fueled all weekend by .da.coffeee ☕⚡