Moonlight Challenge 2024
REGISTRATION 24 CLOSED
Date: Saturday November 16th
What is the Moonlight Challenge and why is it vital to the Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue Team?
2023 Route: Approx 27km. Scroll down to map
Buff Colour: Red
Theme: Legends of Ireland
Gear Essentials:
On the night there will be lots of support available on the course, but it’s important to remember that it will be a challenging hike and there is some gear that you MUST have with you.
-
Good hiking boots (NO RUNNERS!)
-
A head torch and spare batteries
-
A waterproof jacket and pants (Fingers crossed we won’t need them)
-
A hat, a pair of gloves and plenty of warm layers
-
Enough snacks to keep you going (As always, some snacks and hot chocolate will be available at the checkpoints)
-
We recommended that your team has at least one small first aid kit and a pack of Compeed blister plasters
-
A minimum of 1 litre of water. There will be a water station approximately half way through the route
Route: This year’s MLC is approx 27km and will start/finish at Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue Base, Trooperstown (A98 VY72). During the event, the entire route will be marked with arrows and marshalled by our wonderful volunteers, so you will NOT be expected to navigate yourself. On the day of the event you will also have access to our app with an interactive map of the route.
Parking:
- Park N Ride: This year there will be a park n ride facility available from Laragh car park. This car park is located beside the Woollen Mills and GAA grounds in Laragh and is well sign-posted. Free shuttle buses will operate between the car park and the rescue base.
- Parking @ Base: Limited spaces are available at Glendalough Christmas Tree Farm, a short walk to the start/finish. These are reserved for cars with 4 or more people. Cars with less than 4 people will be directed to Laragh car park.
Fundraising: Remember, the minimum amount to raise is €75. Use your fundraising page to simplify the process. You can share the link of your fundraising page with your friends/family via Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Txt message etc. If you can’t find your email after registering maybe check your spam folder.
Single Hikers: If you are a single hiker and you would like to meet and hike with others during the challenge, let us know at: mlc(Replace this parenthesis with the @ sign)wmr.ie We will create a team for you and other singles
Hints and tips: Not essentials but some practical information. If you don’t have a rain cover for your bag, make sure your warm layers and spares are in a plastic or waterproof bag within your backpack. Your spares are no use to you if they get wet!. If you have space in your backpack consider bringing spare hats and gloves, especially if rain is forecast. Check the weather in the Glendalough hills before arriving so you are aware of what to expect on the night (will it be dry/wet night, Cold temps, Strong winds etc..)
2024 Route
Nurturing Nature: Moonlight Challenge’s
Commitment to Our Trails
Acknowledging Our Impact and Giving Back to the Land That Supports Us
While we’re passionate about what we do, we also recognise that our activities place some pressure on these cherished lands. That’s why, for the past four years, we’ve chosen to give something back.
Instead of distributing gift bags filled with small items to participants, we allocate this portion of the funds raised, towards meaningful conservation projects.
Read Here Where The Moonlight Challenge Is Supporting The Surrounding Lands This Year……….
Angela Sweeney Award
Angela Sweeney was one of the founding members of FOG (Friends Of the Glen). She sadly passed away in 2011. To this day we still run the Moonlight Challenge in line with her vision of a fun and enjoyable event, rather than a race. Every year we present the team we feel best demonstrates this vision with the Angela Sweeney Award. All you have to remember is – have fun, enjoy the night and laugh through whatever the mountains and the weather throw’s at you
