Connemara Adventure Challenge

Event technical T-shirt

Race medal upon completion

Use of kayaks, paddles and buoyancy aids

Use of individual electronic timing chips

Post-event food

Fully marked route with marshals at key points

Safety cover

Please note t-shirts are ordered 4 weeks in advance of the race. Entries after this may have to have t-shirt posted out.

STAGE 1 RUN/WALK (10KM)
10km run from Killary Adventure Centre starting on the road and then along a rough, rocky trail section of the Western Way.

STAGE 2 MOUNTAIN CLIMB (2KM)
The climb is up one of the foothills of the Maamturks to an elevation of 342m and the reward of stunning views. This is bog land with soft ground and long grass.

STAGE 3 CYCLING (17KM)
The first 8km is over rough forestry tracks coming out into the Inagh valley. The next 9km is on sealed roads, this is Connemara though so do not expect smooth, flat, pothole-free roads! For information on what bike to use read the FAQs.

STAGE 4 RUN/KAYAK/RUN (3.5KM)
The run to the kayaking area is across bog land to begin with and then on to a rough track to the water (approximately 1.5km). The kayaks will be 2 person sit-on-tops. You will take to the Killary Fjord with another competitor and kayak approx 1km around a looped course. The final run to the finish line at Killary Adventure Centre is approx. 1km.

As it is an adventure race there are parts of the course that are off road so it may take a while for medical aid to reach you. The following is the mandatory kit required:

• Survival blanket and whistle
• Windproof/waterproof top
• Cycle helmet (can be left with your bike at transition area)
• Basic bike repair kit

PLEASE NOTE THAT CARRYING THIS MANDATORY KIT FROM THE START IS FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY.

Although the following is not mandatory kit, it is recommended:

• Suitable cycling shoes and gloves
• Sturdy walking/running shoes
• Waterproof leggings
• Course map
• Energy food and drink. Water is provided for refilling vessels at transition points. We do not give out water bottles along the route.

WHAT ARE THE LOCATIONS FOR REGISTRATION, START LINE AND FINISH LINE?
The location for all 3 is at Killary Adventure Centre, Leenane, Co Galway.

WHAT TYPE OF BIKE SHOULD I USE FOR CAC?
The cycling section of the Connemara Adventure Challenge covers two types of terrain: the first are forestry roads, these are rough wide tracks through the forest, the second section of the route covers sealed main roads.
Aerobars are not allowed and need to be taken off for the event.
Which type of bike you choose to use is a personal choice. But here is some advice.

Hybrid - Suitable
Mountain bike - You can put slick tires on to increase speed on road
Cycle cross - Good for both terrains
A racer/road bike can be used but you do have a higher risk of puncture - better to use gatorskin tyres.

WHAT ELECTRONIC TIMING DEVICES ARE BEING USED?
Your progress through the course and results are measured with the use of electronic timing equipment, part of which requires the wearing of a small device on your wrist – the “dibber”. Lost dibbers must be paid for and will set you back around €30 – they aren’t cheap! Look after them.

DO I NEED TO BE ABLE TO NAVIGATE FOR CAC?
While navigation skills are not a requirement, do not travel faster than your route knowledge. The route will be described and marked with signs/arrows, but no fixed marshalls. This is an unsupported adventure challenge, not a triathlon

ARE THERE ANY TIMEOUTS ALONG THE COURSE?
The only timeout is just as you reach the kayak section as there may be a short wait time for kayaks.

DOES KILLARY GAELFORCE HAVE AN ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY?
Killary Gaelforce aim to promote and inspire responsible outdoor recreation. We work with our competitors to implement our strong environmental protection policy at each of our events. Read more about it.