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Gaelforce Connemara

Leenane, Galway, Ireland

Leenane, County Galway, Ireland

Sat 1st May 2021

Organiser's Description

Adventure racing is a multi-sport event that allows you to experience the land by foot, kayak, and bicycle. Gaelforce Connemara is one of the original Gaelforce adventure races and always a favourite.

Gaelforce Connemara is a 32km sprint distance adventure race which means you have nothing to fear and you can give it your all. This is a manageable distance and perfect for your first adventure race in Ireland, or as a training race to test your fitness.

This stunning route involves cycling and running through the Inagh Valley, Glen Valley, Maaumturk & 12 Ben Mountain ranges, Western Way Trail, and kayaking on the crystal clear waters of the Killary Fjord in the shadow of Connaughts highest mountain Mweelrea.

This is Connemara from the inside out. This route, with its varied terrain and dramatic views, will keep you interested and get you over the line before you know it. This event is challenging but very achievable. You will push yourself but the journey through the landscape and the feeling of crossing the finish line will be worth it.
What's Included

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.

Course Details

STAGE 1 RUN/WALK (3KM)

1.3km run from Killary Adventure Centre on the road and then 1.6km along a boggy and wet section of the Western Way

STAGE 2 MOUNTAIN CLIMB (4KM) - RUN/WALK (5KM)

The climb is 4km long and on a foothill of the Maamturk mountains to an elevation of 342m. This is bog land with soft ground and long grass.

Then a 5.2km run on Coillte track and sealed road back to the centre (and Bike transition)

STAGE 3 CYCLING (19KM)

Please note the cycle is now on sealed roads and road bikes (or mountain bikes) are suitable

Leaving the centre on the N59 you cycle for about 2km then turn right towards Glaslaun beach.

After 8km you head towards the lovely Glasluan beach, looping back onto the way you came.

Please note there is a short but very dangerous downhill section on this route, please obey the signs.

Please note there is two way race traffic on this route.

STAGE 4 RUN/KAYAK/RUN (3.5KM)

You will run 1.3km from the bike transition to the kayaking area across bog land and then on to a rough track to the water. The kayaks are two-person sit-on-tops.

Please note due to Covid restrictions we will be giving you tow floats rather than buoyancy aids. Tow floats will be fastened around your waist and ensure you have an individual buoyancy to hold onto in the unlikely event of a capsize. If you are a non-swimmer and you would prefer a buoyancy aid please let the marshal know when you arrive at the kayaking area and one will be given to you.

Once you have finished the Kayak it is a 1km run back to the finish line at Killary Adventure Centre.

Mandatory Kit List

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.
Faqs

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.

Location

REGISTRATION, START LINE AND FINISH LINE
The location for all 3 is at Killary Adventure Centre, Leenane, Co Galway.

Schedule

09.00 - 26 April: Deadline for checking your postal address in your registration email and send us a quick email if changes are necessary

29 April: Race Numbers get send off by post. Depending on where you live, they should arrive in the next 3-4 working days.

18.30 - 30 April: Race numbers available on the Gaelforce website

1 May:

TBC Arrive at Killary to be shown by a Marshall where to park your car. (45 mins before your start time)
TBC Place your bike in bike transition. Please note bikes must be fully ready to go on the rack. No prepping your bike will be allowed inside the transition. (30 mins before your start time)
TBC Go to start line for briefing. Start line is across the road from the Centre. (Look for Gantry) (7 mins before your start time)
TBC Start.
TBC Course closed at pm. You will not be allowed to do final run and kayak section 4 hours after your start time.
TBC There is no prize giving, you'll receive your prize with your finisher's pack near the Finish Line


Other Information

OUR START LINE WILL CONSIST OF SMALL WAVES OF NO MORE THAN 50 PEOPLE, THIS WILL ENSURE THAT 2 METRE OF SOCIAL DISTANCING IS POSSIBLE.

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Location

Leenane, Galway, Ireland

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