What is the Monte Challenge?
A 1 day multi-adventure race on 30th August 2025 which welcomes experienced athletes and beginners. The race is by foot (run/hike/walk) and by bike and takes in the Wild Atlantic Way and the Bluestack Mountains. The race starts and finishes at the Community Centre, Mountcharles, Co. Donegal. The event is organised by a voluntary committee and in aid local organisations.
There are 4 routes to choose from:
The Full Monte 57km (run, cycle, hike): a time chipped race. You can enter as an individual or as a team. A Full Monte team is made up of 3 people: 1 cyclist, 1 runner, 1 hiker/runner for Leg 3 (Carnaween Mountain). No other team combination is allowed e.g. 2 people are not an eligible team in the Full Monte. Teams can be mixed male/female. 1 team members enters the team details through the online entry portal.
The Half Monte 28km (run, cycle): a time chipped race. You can enter as an individual or as a team. A Half Monte team is made up of two people: 1 runner and 1 cyclist. No other team combination is allowed e.g. 3 people are not an eligible team in the Half Monte. Teams can be mixed male/female. 1 team members enters the team details through the online entry portal.
The Sprint Monte 5km (run): a time chipped race. You can only enter as an individual.
The Little Monte 5km (walk/jog): is a beginner/family event which is not timed. 1 x entry covers a family e.g. 2 adults and 2 kids. Under 18s are welcome but must be supervised by a gaurdian/parent.
Online Race Entry and Race Registration Info and Timings
Online Race Entry:
Full, Half and Sprint Monte Run event entries cannot be purchased on the day of the race; you must secure your entry online by Sunday 10th August 2025. Little Monte Family registration & event entries can be purchased online and in person, Friday 29th August evening and Saturday 30th August morning.
Race Registration 29th/30th August 2025:
All participants will need to come to Race Registration:
Full, Half and Sprint Monte:
- Collect your race number bib, timing chip. Plus goodie bag for Full & Half Monte. Each race number bib will be color coded to your route; Blue for the Full Monte, Green for the Half Monte, Yellow for the Sprint Monte.
- Mandatory kit check (Full & Half Monte only).
Little Monte:
- Collect your race number bib.
Race Registration Location:
St Peter’s National School, Mountcharles, Co. Donegal F94 X02N. The School is beside the Community Centre and start/finish area. There will be parking near here and you will be directed by Marshals.
Race Registration Timings:
Friday 29th August, 18:00-21:00 –
- Race registration open for all participants. Little Monte event entries can also be purchased. We encourage you to complete your registration on Friday evening, so you are all set for Saturday’s race!
- If you register on Friday evening, you will be able to leave your bike overnight in the Leg 1-2 Transition Zone at Gallaher’s Funeral Home Carpark, Mountcharles (within walking distance of Registration). There will be overnight security but your bike is parked at your own risk and the organisers take no responsibility for any loss or damage.
Saturday 30th August, timings will be published nearer to the event
Race registration open for all participants. Little Monte event entries can also be purchased.
Race Briefings & Timings 30th August 2025:
You must attend your race briefing which takes place at the Start Line at the Community Centre, Mountcharles on Saturday 30th August. Timings will be published nearer the event. Races will start in the morning.
Cut off times
There will be cut-off times which will be published nearer the events, at the following points for The Full Monte:
- Leg 3, a cut off time will be in place to reach the Letterbarrow FC Transition before Leg 3 run/hike up Carnaween. If you do not make the Cut Off time to climb Carnaween, you can either retire or have the option to continue the cycle route.
- Leg 4, a cut off time will be in place to reach Gallaher’s Funeral Home Transition before the last Leg 5 run round the Sandy Banks. If you do not make the Cut Off time to run the Sandy Banks c. 5km, you will be directed/assisted to the nearby Finish Line Area.
Prizes
There will be prizes for the 1st, 2nd, 3rd male and females in Full Monte, Half Monte, Sprint Monte, Little Monte. There will be also be prizes for teams in the Full and Half Monte. Prizes will be given after each race.
What to expect at the start & finish?
- A warm Donegal welcome!
- Whatever the weather, you and your supporters will have a place to shelter indoors and/or event tents.
- You can leave a sports kit bag indoors, but please note this is at your own risk and the organiser’s take no responsibility for any loss or damage.
- You will be able to buy tea, coffee and refreshments.
- Yes, there will be port-a-loos!
- Soak up the atmosphere with the local MC & tunes.
- At the finish, participants will receive a medal, complimentary refreshments and cold or hot drink.
Accommodation in the local area, there are lots of options in South West Donegal, check out Your Wild Atlantic Way starts here! | Go Visit Donegal
Car parking
There will be car-parking near the race start/finish. You will receive info on this before the race and directed by marshals.
Spectators
We encourage you to take along family & friends to cheer you on at the start & finish. Spectators are not allowed in the transition areas, to avoid potential collisions. Please do not follow participants by car on the route, to avoid additional traffic.