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
~400–500M
Elevation
Derrynane, Co. Kerry
Location
June 2027
Date TBC
The Concept
The half marathon,
done differently.
This isn’t about chasing a road-race PB. It’s about experiencing Kerry 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 built to give you a chance to explore one of Ireland’s most dramatic landscapes and 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. The proposed out-and-back section may also provide flexibility for those who need to shorten their day.
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 through coastal paths, the Mass Path, the Kerry Way and into the mountains, with some of the most incredible scenery in the wild south of Kerry.
Explore the route→21.1 KM
Distance
~400–500M
Elevation
Derrynane GAA
Start / Finish
Trail / Mountain
Terrain
DerrynaneCaherdanielMass PathKerry WayRoute details are provisional and subject to final landowner permissions, safety assessment and approval.
The Prep Program
The Fiannix Prep
Don’t just enter the race.
Prepare for it.
A 12-week programme designed specifically around the demands of Way of the South Half. Includes weekly runs, strength training, trail-specific preparation, nutrition guidance, recovery and coaching support.
Launching
Sept / Oct 2026
Price
Coming soon
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 southwest, 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 400 to 500m 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. 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 is planned for June 2027. The exact date is TBC and will be announced to the waitlist first.
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.
Yes. The Fiannix Prep is a training programme designed for the event, launching in September or October 2026. Pricing is coming soon. You can join the prep waitlist now.
Be first to know.
Get the first announcement when entries open, the route is confirmed and The Fiannix Prep launches.
The first 100 people on the waitlist get access to early bird entry pricing when registration opens. This does not guarantee a race entry. Pricing TBC.