About the Challenge
The Art O'Neill Challenge is now an entirely charity event in support of Dublin Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team. The team has always been involved and now despite this being an adventure of epic proportions, we're proud of how accessible and fun it is to take part in the Challenge. Hike with experienced guides, organise your own group, or if you've the experience, go it alone! Whatever your choice the spirit of the Challenge is very much one of challenge and adventure. Completing the Art O Neill Challenge is something to be very proud of.
WAYS TO PARTICIPATE - TREK
The Art O'Neill is an "open to all" hike but it is an undoubtedly tough challenge that people need to prepare for. It is not a competition and people are free to go as fast or as slow as they like (within reason as cut offs will apply!)The first hikers usually arrive in 12 hours with the last around 16 hours!
WAYS TO PARTICIPATE - ULTRA
The Art O Neill is also an ultra running race for those brave/mad/fit enough and able to navigate.The record is 5hr 20min recorded by Eoin Keith in 2014
WAYS TO PARTICIPATE - HYBRID
Run the first 30km road section to Checkpoint 1, and walk the mountain section(guided or self navigating) for the remainder of the challenge.
Videos from previous years 2014, 2011 & 2009
Safety on the Challenge
We're big on safety on the Challenge! Please help us ensure everyone stays safe!
- Major road junctions marked and event vehicle presence to Stone Cross.
- Dublin Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team will be out in force for the full challenge.
- For safety reasons only event cars are allowed on route so anyone who receives aid from a non-event vehicle will be disqualified.
- DWMRT Guides are available to lead people from Checkpoint 1 to Glenmalure.
- There are two rest stations where hot food and drinks are available.
- First-aid is available at the rest stations.
- Dropbags are brought to Checkpoint 1 so you can get a change of clothes/footwear/water etc.
- Mandatory safety gear is specified on the kit-list.
- Pre Event Information Night will be held in the Great Outdoors in January.
Value for Money
110 Euro (inclusive of costs)
The entry fee includes:
- Transport from the finish in Barravore to Glenmalure Lodge by mini bus.
- Transport by coach from Glenmalure Valley to Dublin.
- Hot drinks (coffee, tea, soup) and food (sandwich, flapjack) at Checkpoint 1 (30k mark)
- Hot drinks (tea, coffee) and food (porridge, flapjacks) at checkpoint 2 (40k mark)
- Transport of a bag with change of clothes and footwear to Checkpoint 1 and on to the Finish for your arrival.
- Official AON T Shirt
- Dropout bus transport at Checkpoints
- First Aid
- Guiding where needed
- Marshalling/Marking as required
- Chip timing and recording
- All Profit goes to Dublin Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team
Please note that we operate a No Refunds and No Transfers policy In the event of extreme weather which would compromise safety, the event will be rescheduled if the permissions allow.
GPX Route for 2017
If you have a Garmin or GPX compatible device download the temp route for 2017 below.
(Right click and choose Save As)
2017 Event Results
Click on the link below for results of the 2017 Art O'Neill Challenge
2017 Results PDFBad Weather Route
If rivers are high by event organisers may elect to use the 'Alternative Route' through the Glenbride valley.
Alt Route InfoHistory
We think knowing the history before you hike makes the whole experience much more significant..
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