Glendalough Trail
- Date
- Location
- Wicklow, Leinster, Ireland
- Distances
- Long course — 15k — 450m climb
- Short course — 8.5k — 250m climb
write a description of glendalough trail, new race in wicklow https://glendaloughtrail.ie/about/Glendalough Trail Run: Wicklow’s Heart and Soul on the Trails There’s something special about Glendalough that pulls you in – those ancient stone ruins standing guard over the lakes, the mountains wrapping around like they’ve been waiting for you, and trails that feel like they’ve got stories older than any of us. And now, on Saturday, November 7th, 2026, the Fighting Blindness Glendalough Trail Run is back for its latest chapter. This isn’t just another race in the calendar; it’s a proper Wicklow adventure with real purpose behind every stride. The setup is straightforward and welcoming. You’ve got two options: the full 15km competitive run or the 8.5km non-competitive walk/jog. Both kick off and finish in the valley, right in the thick of that iconic scenery. The longer route clocks in at about 15.1km with roughly 450m of climb – think forest trails that wind up and over the hills, dipping through the trees with just a splash of tarmac (around 500m) and a mucky stretch or two where the branches might snag at your legs if you’re not paying attention. The shorter loop keeps things gentler, skipping the roughest bits so anyone can soak it all in without the full-on battle. It’s been running since the early days as a fundraiser for Fighting Blindness, and by 2026 it’ll be marking its 15th time out. The charity side isn’t some add-on – it’s the beating heart of the day. Every entrant commits to raising a minimum €100 (on top of the entry fee, which starts around €23-€33 depending on when you grab your spot). That money goes straight into research for retinal degenerative diseases and support for people living with sight loss. Step by step, literally, you’re helping push things forward. That’s the kind of run that leaves you feeling bigger than just your own legs carrying you round. From what past runners have shared – and there’s a solid stack of reports from previous years – the course is runnable even when the weather throws its usual Wicklow curveball. One year the heavens opened the night before, cutting entries in half with an orange weather warning, but come morning the trails were wet yet spot-on. People came away buzzing about how well-marked it was, the local crew out in force (shout to the likes of the Glendalough AC lads and lasses keeping things ticking), and those views that make you stop mid-stride just to take it in. Upper Lake, the valley floor, the way the light hits the hills – it’s pure magic, especially in that late autumn light when the leaves are turning and the air has that crisp edge. Organisation-wise, it’s tight. GPX files for both routes are up on the site already (dead easy to download), there are aid stations dotted along, and the whole thing’s geared for a day out that feels community-first. No massive crowds, no corporate nonsense – just runners, walkers, families, and that shared sense that you’re doing something decent while getting properly stuck into the mountains. If you’re chasing that proper trail buzz with a bit of meaning thrown in, this is it. Whether you’re hammering the 15km for a PB or easing round the 8.5km with mates, soaking up the monastic ruins and the lakes, you’ll come away with more than just muddy shoes. Every kilometre here counts twice – once for you, once for the fight against blindness. Registration’s open now, so if Wicklow’s calling (and let’s be honest, it usually is), get your name down. The trails are waiting, and so’s the chance to make a real difference. See you out there. 💚2.5sa paragraph pleaseThere’s something truly special about Glendalough that hits you the minute you arrive – those ancient monastic ruins standing silent by the lakes, the Wicklow mountains rising all around, and trails that feel like they’ve been waiting just for you. On Saturday 7 November 2026 the Fighting Blindness Glendalough Trail Run returns for its 15th year, giving you the choice of a proper 15km competitive route with roughly 450 metres of climb or a gentler 8.5km non-competitive walk or jog, both winding through stunning valley forest paths, a bit of tarmac, and those classic mucky sections where the branches reach out and remind you you’re really out there. Every entrant raises a minimum €100 for Fighting Blindness, money that goes straight into research and support for people living with sight loss, so you’re not just chasing your own trail high – you’re part of something that actually moves the needle. It’s the kind of late-season day that leaves you muddy, smiling, and quietly buzzing with the feeling that you’ve done a bit of good while soaking up one of Ireland’s most beautiful spots. If Wicklow’s calling, this is the one to answer. 💚1.8sprofessional descriptionNestled in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains, the Fighting Blindness Glendalough Trail Run returns on Saturday, 7 November 2026 for its 15th edition, offering runners and walkers a chance to experience one of Ireland’s most iconic landscapes up close. Participants can tackle the full 15.1km competitive route, which winds through scenic forest trails with around 450 metres of climb, a short stretch of tarmac and some classic mucky sections, or opt for the gentler 8.5km non-competitive walk or jog that skips the roughest parts while still taking in the ancient monastic ruins, the Upper Lake and the sweeping valley views. Every entrant commits to raising a minimum of €100 for Fighting Blindness, with every euro going directly to vital research into retinal degenerative diseases and support services for people living with sight loss. This isn’t just another trail event – it’s a day that brings purpose to your steps, blending the pure joy of running through history-steeped terrain with the quiet satisfaction of making a real difference. Registration is open now, and spaces are limited, so if you’re looking for a late-season adventure that leaves you both inspired and quietly proud, this is one worth circling on the calendar.
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