Stone Cross to Lug Trail Race - Ballygarvan

The Stone Cross to Lug is one of the bigger challenges on the Irish ultra-running calendar - a 52km point-to-point trail race organised by IMRA Cork (Irish Mountain Running Association) that threads through forest, mountain and open countryside in south County Cork. Starting at 8am from Ballygarvan, it packs in roughly 2,000m of elevation gain over the course, which explains why it carries 3 ITRA points and sits within the UTMB Index. Past editions have drawn more than 300 runners, making it a well-attended community event as much as a personal test. If you are aiming for a Western States qualifier, a European ultra, or simply want a serious day out on your feet, this is a race worth putting in the diary.

What to expect

The race covers a mix of terrain typical of south Cork - forested tracks, open upland, and natural trail underfoot rather than tarmac. The elevation profile is sustained rather than brutal in a single hit; 2,000m spread across 52km still means you are rarely on the flat for long. The start is in Ballygarvan village, south of Cork city, and the course name - Stone Cross to Lug - suggests a journey between two named landmarks in the landscape. IMRA events are known for a no-fuss, runner-first atmosphere: marshals are usually club volunteers, water stations are practical rather than lavish, and the post-race gathering tends to happen in the car park or a nearby hall. Check the IMRA website for the mandatory kit list; Irish Mountain Running events typically require waterproofs, emergency rations, a map and a charged phone as a minimum.

Getting there

Ballygarvan is about 12km south of Cork city, off the R610 road towards Kinsale. From Cork, follow signs for Kinsale / Airport, then take the turn for Ballygarvan village. There is no direct public transport to Ballygarvan itself, so most runners drive or arrange a lift. Cork city has regular bus and rail connections from Dublin, Limerick and Galway - the journey from Dublin Heuston takes roughly two and a half hours by train. If you are travelling from outside Munster, staying the night in Cork city the evening before makes an early 8am start much more manageable. Parking at village events in rural Cork is usually on-street or in a nearby field - follow signs on the morning and allow extra time.

While you’re in Cork

Ballygarvan sits in a quiet stretch of south Cork, a short drive from the coast at Kinsale and within easy reach of the city. Cork is a proper food-and-culture city with a strong independent scene around the English Market and Barrack Street. There is more to see in Cork and across Co. Cork.

Good to know

• Date: Saturday 15 August 2026, start at 8:00am
• Distance: 52km, 2,000m elevation gain
• Price: Registration fee applies (see imra.ie for current rates; IMRA annual membership - around €10 - is required to enter)
• UTMB / ITRA: UTMB Index race, earns 3 ITRA points
• Booking: Via the IMRA events calendar at imra.ie/events
• Mandatory kit: Check the IMRA website before race day - waterproofs and safety kit are typically required