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Add a reviewGaelforce Connemara
Leenane, Galway, Ireland
Leenane, County Galway, IrelandSat 1st May 2021
Organiser's Description
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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