Environmental protection
Race routes are designed to avoid any known breeding and hatching areas. Runners are to avoid entering any identified habitat sensitive areas, which may be identified in their race instructions.
Runners are to take responsibility for their actions relating to protection of the mountain environment. Habitat sensitive areas (where appropriate) will be announced early, specifically where it is inappropriate for runners to recce those sections of the route before the race.
The Mourne Wall
Crossing the Mourne Wall at any point other than at recognised crossing points and stiles is prohibited. Running on wall tops is not permitted.
Leave no trace
All runners must comply with our “leave no trace” approach to mountain races. Carry out all your waste, including wrappers, fruit peel and chewing gum.
We do not support the use of single-use plastics or disposable drinking cups. Runners must carry a reusable cup as part of their mandatory kit.
On the course
- Use established paths where there are any, and cross boundaries using gates and stiles.
- Be sensitive to habitats that may support fragile or protected plants and animals, such as forests, rocky outcrops, scree, rock gullies, bogs and upland heath (Habitas).
- Stay alert for livestock and wildlife, keep noise down, and steer clear of them.
- Don’t stray into habitat sensitive areas to pass other mountain users who share the space.
- Don’t bring your dog, or any other pet, on the race.
Getting there
To keep the impact of cars down, use the designated parking areas, park in line with the Highway Code and avoid parking on grass verges where possible. Car share where you can.
Habitat impact controls
Full details of our environmental controls are in our race-specific habitat impact controls. Runners should familiarise themselves with these control measures: in signing up for a race, you agree to abide by them. Habitat impact controls, 2027 (PDF)
Any infringement of environmental protection rules could result in disqualification and a ban from taking part in future Granite Peaks Ultras events.
Questions about this policy? Email the race directors: racedirectors@granitepeaksultras.com