Seven Sisters Skyline - Race Report 2023
The 2023 edition of the Seven Sisters Skyline saw 130 participants take to the start line on Ireland’s most demanding mountain running route.
The out and back course takes in all seven peaks of the Derryveagh Mountains with all but the highest peak, Mount Errigal, being covered twice, covering over 4,000m ascent in the 55k route. The 2023 edition will be remembered for perfect early conditions, picture clear mountains, and howling winds that blew up in the afternoon forcing the organisers to call off Errigal ascent in the late afternoon for competitors.
With sections called ‘Bridge of Tears’ and ‘Heart Attack Hill’ this was not an easy day out. Competitors had to contend with everything from very soft, wet underfoot conditions as there has been lots of rain in recent months; heathery bog and open mountain rock and scree, often having to scramble on hands and knees over the loose stone, particularly on Muckish ridge and Errigal's North Face.
Errigal's North Face - Serious scree! ©Seven Sisters Skyline collection
A 6.30am September start meant head torches were compulsory and made for a wonderful sight as participants made their way around Dunlewey lake on their way to the mountains. In the men's field a new champion was crowned with previous podium winner Aidan Mc Moreland claiming victory in 7:56:56. In second place was Paul Brennan from Co. Antrim, and third was Enda Cloake from Wexford. Enda was leading the race on the return leg but after missing the Aghla More summit, received a time penalty relegating him to third. A great battle upfront on the outward leg, and decisive moves made on the return leg made for exciting racing and battles along the way.
Kasie Enman, the American mountain running legend ©Seven Sisters Skyline Collection
The ladies event was dominated by Kasie Enman, the American mountain running legend. After a 24 hr delay getting to Ireland on Thursday from Vermont, USA she made light work of the Donegal hills and renowned tough course, blasting round for an emphatic win in 8hrs 28:12. and 5th overall.
The former world champion quoted ' I was smiling throughout this beautiful and epically challenging course. It's a fun and tough running community that I was glad to be part of, albeit briefly'
Ellen Vetting the 2022 champion from Kenmare Co. Kerry, and multiple podium winner was a strong second, despite competing in UTMB 3 weeks earlier. Kristen O' Sullivan from Co. Cork gained her first podium for a great third place just 12 minutes behind Ellen on her first attempt at Ireland's toughest Mountain running event.
Female winning trio; Kasie Enman [1], Ellen Vetting [2] and Kristen O' Sullivan [3] ©SSS Collection
Male winning trio; Aidan Mc Moreland [1], Paul Brennan [2], Enda Cloake [3] ©SSS Collection
That wraps up the 2023 edition, with 2024 entries opening October 1st with a scheduled date for September 21st, 2024.
Wild and technical ridgeline on the Seven Sisters Skyline ©SSS Collection