Denis Rankin Round facts for kids

Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland's highest mountain

The Denis Rankin Round is a super tough mountain running challenge in the beautiful Mourne Mountains in County Down, Northern Ireland. It's like a giant loop around the mountains! The whole route is over 90 kilometres long, which is about 56 miles. Plus, runners have to climb more than 6,500 metres (that's over 21,000 feet!) up and down the mountains. To officially complete the Round, you must finish it in less than 24 hours. This challenge is even recognized by the famous Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc race, showing how difficult it is!

Amazing Achievements: Record Holders

Many people try to complete the Denis Rankin Round, but only the fastest set new records. The current record for men is 13 hours and 37 minutes, set by Steven Shields in 2020. For women, the record is 19 hours and 12 minutes, set by Aoife Mundow, also in 2020. These times show just how fit and determined these runners are!

Exploring the Challenging Route

Silent Valley Reservoir

A big part of the Denis Rankin Round goes through the Mourne Mountains Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This means the scenery is absolutely stunning! The route includes Slieve Donard, which is the highest mountain in both Ulster and Northern Ireland. Runners can choose to do the challenge in the order listed below, or they can do it in reverse. It's a huge test of endurance and navigation!

Key Mountains and Landmarks

The Denis Rankin Round takes runners over many different mountain peaks and past important landmarks. Here are the main points along the way: