Run
For experienced trail runners and runners looking for a new challenge.
Way of the
South Half
21.1km of Kerry’s wild southwest
A rugged but accessible trail half marathon through the landscape of Derrynane, Caherdaniel and the Kerry Way.
21.1 KM
Distance
~600-700M
Elevation
Derrynane, Co. Kerry
Location
19 June 2027
Race day
The Concept
The half marathon,
done differently.
This isn’t about chasing a road-race PB. It’s about experiencing the Iveragh Peninsula on foot. Whether you’re an experienced trail runner, a road runner looking for a new challenge, a walker or a hiker, Way of the South Half is designed to give you a chance to explore one of Ireland’s most dramatic landscapes and to be part of a welcoming community.
Run it.
Walk it.
Experience it.
Built for more than runners
Run. Walk. Hike.
Generous cut-off times are planned to make the event accessible to a broad range of participants, with aid stations along the route. Staggered start times for walkers and runners will be in place. Walkers will start 1 hour ahead of runners.
Walk
No need to race it. Experience the route at your own pace.
Hike
A chance to experience the Kerry landscape as part of an organised event.
The Route
21.1km. One hell
of a route.
Starting and finishing at Derrynane GAA, the proposed route takes you along the road towards Derrynane House before getting the first test of the trails along the Kerry Way in the direction of Caherdaniel. Participants will then make their way into the hills of the newly marked Caherdaniel loop before finishing at Derrynane GAA.
Explore the route→
Route details are provisional and subject to final landowner permissions, safety assessment and approval.
FAQ
Questions? We've got you.
Everything you need to know about the Way of the South Half.
The Way of the South Half is a 21.1km trail half marathon in County Kerry. It is a rugged but accessible event built around the wild landscape of Kerry's Iveragh Peninsula, open to runners, walkers and hikers who want to experience dramatic scenery and be part of a welcoming community.
The event is based in Derrynane, near Caherdaniel in County Kerry, Ireland. The proposed start and finish is Derrynane GAA, with the course using trails and mountain paths in the area, including sections of the Kerry Way.
The race is a half marathon distance of 21.1km, run on trail and mountain terrain.
The proposed route has approximately 600-700m of elevation gain. Final figures will be confirmed once the route is finalised.
Yes. It is designed to be rugged but accessible. Generous cut-off times are planned, and you are welcome to walk or hike the course at your own pace. Staggered start times will be in place, with walkers and hikers starting 1 hour before the runners. Some preparation on hilly ground is recommended for anyone new to Kerry trail running.
Yes. You can run it, walk it or hike it. There is no need to race it if you would rather experience the route at your own pace.
The event takes place on Saturday 19 June 2027. Entries are not open yet, so join the waitlist to be the first to know when they open.
A proposed route is shown in The Route section of this page. It is provisional and may change, subject to permissions and final planning. The confirmed route will be published closer to the event.
Details of water and aid stations are TBC and will be confirmed with the final route.
No. Trail-running experience helps, but it is not required. Walkers and hikers are welcome, and the planned generous cut-off times are intended to make this 21.1km trail race open to a broad range of people.
Kit requirements, including any mandatory kit, are TBC and will be shared with entrants before race day. Kerry weather can change quickly, so plan for varied conditions.
Entries are not open yet and the entry price is TBC. Join the waitlist to be the first to know when entries for the Way of the South Half open.
Be first to know.
Get the first announcement when entries open and the route is confirmed.
The first 200 people on the waitlist get access to early bird entry pricing when registration opens. This does not guarantee a race entry. Pricing TBC.