1. Gaelforce West
When: Saturday August 15th
What: 21k run, 45k cycle, 1k kayak
Where: Westport, Co. Mayo
How much: €75 before January 31st, €85 before August 7th, €95 until registration closes.
This one-day multi-activity adventure race covering 67km of some of Ireland’s most dramatic and stunning scenery makes it one of the best-selling adventure races in the country and little wonder that registration starts eight months out from the event.
The race will take up to eight hours but we say ‘race’ rather loosely. Some will race it, many more won’t. It’s worth noting that there are four running or walking elements, one kayaking leg and two cycling trips, broken down as follows.
- 13k beach, train and road run around Killary Harbour and into Killary Fjord.
- 1k kayak across Killary harbour.
- 3.5k trail run to Delphi Mountain Resort.
- 33.5k cycle to Croagh Patrick.
- 4.5k hike or run up and down Croagh Patrick.
- 10.5k cycle
- 1.5k run.
2. 26 Extreme Coast to Coast 2015
When: Saturday/Sunday 16-17 May
What: 316k journey running, cycling and kayaking
Where: Enniscrone, Co. Sligo to Newcastle, Co. Down
How much: Non-stop solo €200 up to March 31st, €360 non-stop pair
Non-stop solo competitors will set off from Enniscrone, Co Sligo and race across Ireland in daylight and darkness along a stunning route to the finish line in Newcastle, Co Down.
Non-stop paired competitors will see one set off on a route which will encompass just over 152km. They will be running on sandy beaches, cycling along deserted roads and paddling along one of the longest sections of inland waterway in Ireland before finishing at the shores of Lough Erne, Co Fermanagh.
The second day he or she hands over the baton to their team-mate who sets off on a cycling and running challenge totalling just over 157km.
3. IRONMAN 70.3 Dublin
When: Sunday, 9 August
What: 1.2-mile swim in the Irish Sea, a 56-mile bike course through the stunning countryside surrounding Dublin and then a 13.1 run in the heart of the city.
Where: Dublin
This event will be a first for Dublin and requires a huge amount of training. The sport of triathlon has exploded in this country in recent years and though the event is sold out, it is still possible to get an entry via the race’s charity partners.
4. St Patrick’s Day Killarney Adventure Race
When: Saturday, 14 March
What: 55k or 33k adventure race involving running, cycling, hiking and kayaking
Where: Killarney, Kerry
How much: 55k is €75. 30k is €70.
A cracking way to work up an appetite for what you’ll probably indulge in straight afterwards. The race is held in Killarney’s National Park, along the Kerry Way and in the Black Valley.
The 33k race is comprised of a 12k cycle, a 1k kayak, another cycle of 7k, a trail run of 8k and another cycle of 5k.
The 55k race is a 20k cycle – 4k of which takes place on gravel, a 14k trail run down to the remote Black Valley, an 8k cycle (4k gravel road, 4k paved road), a 1k kayak and a 12k cycle on paved roads.
Registration is now open for both events. Both routes are challenging but the stunning scenery makes it a more manageable experience.
Places are limited to 600 competitors, visit the website for more information.
5. Dingle Half-Marathon
When: Saturday, 5 September
What: 13 miles
Where: Dingle, Kerry
How much: €50 from now until the end of February, €52 until the end of April, €54 until the end of June, €56 until the end of July and €58 until 27 August which is the closing date.
The half marathon is a great option if you don’t fancy the full thing. It starts at 9am from Strand Street in the town and finishes out on the Slea Head at Dunquin after which you’ll be transported back to town via complimentary bus.
The course itself is not flat, but undulating. You’ll travel out from the town towards Ventry and the home of sporting legend Páidí Ó Sé. Numbers for the event have been steadily increasing over the years and this year saw in excess of 2,000 take to the start-line, though that includes the other events like the full marathon (26miles) and the ultra-marathon (50miles).
Originally published at 0700