Event FAQ
We have four categories for this event: Elite, Runner, Jogger, Walker. One must choose your category when you are entering. Please note you cannot change this category after you have entered so consider it carefully before you enter.
Ask questions and share your knowledge on our forum here.
The distance is 26km total:
Running/Walking: 10km Approx
Cycling: 15km Approx
Kayaking: 1km Max
The detailed breakdown, nature and sequence of activity is as follows:
Stage 1: Bog Run 4km
The race starts with a 4km run through the Connemara bog!
Stage 2: Mountain Climb 1km
This is the mountain climb section. Competitors will climb up one of the foothills of the Maum Turks and we encourage you to take a rest at the top and take in the stunning views.
Stage 3: Cycle 15km
The cycling section takes in 2 types of terrain. The first 7km approx is over forestry tracks through Coillte forest coming out into the Inagh valley. The next 8km approx is on sealed roads, this is Connemara though so do not expect smooth flat pot hole free roads!
Stage 4: Kayak 1km
The kayaks will be 2 person sit on tops so grab a partner and take to the Killary Fjord. You will kayak approx 1km towards Leenane along the Galway shoreline.
Stage 5: Run/Walk 6km
There will be 2.5km approx road run from where you drop the kayaks to the beginning of a section of the Western Way. The final 3.5 km will take you along this trail to the finish line at Killary Adventure Centre.
The Category wave start times are as follows:
Elite 9.30am
Runner 10.00am
Jogger 10.30am
Jogger 11.00am
Walker 11.30am
This is the time that your wave will leave the start line at the Killary Centre. You need to get dropped at the centre or picked up by the bus in Leenane Village at least one hour before your wave leaves. Please remember that cars will not be allowed to park at the centre on race day.
- Hybrid - Suitable
- Mountain bike - You can put slick tires on to increase speed on road.
- Cycle cross - Good for both terrains.
- A racer is not suitable for the forestry track.
Parking will be tight for registration so please have patience.
It is possible to get dropped off at K2 by someone but they will not be allowed to park here
No, you do not need to organise a partner before the event for the kayak section.
This is a race for individuals. When you arrive into the kayak transition area you will take a bouncy aid and a paddle. Then you will walk to get a kayak, your kayaking partner will be the next person waiting for a kayak also.
If you arrive with a friend to the kayak transition it is no problem to take a kayak together.
No is the simple answer here. You personally will choose your wave/category when you enter Connemara Adventure Challenge. It is not possible under any circumstances to change waves/category at any time. There are around 1,000 people taking part in this event, we cannot deal with each individual’s entries.
Your progress through the course (and results) is measured with the use of SPORTIdent electronic timing equipment, part of which requires the wearing of a small device on your wrist – the “dibber”. See www.sportident.co.uk for full info on this system. Lost dibbers must be paid for and will set you back around €30 – they aren’t cheap! Look after them.
Registration will take place at K2 Killary Centre from 12.00 - 22.00 on Friday 7th May. You will be allowed to drive to the K2 centre and park for registration, but please note you will not be allowed park there on race day.
When you register, you will receive your race pack containing your competitor number, map and any other information youo will need for the race. There will be staff on hand to answer questions. You will also receive your electronic timing chip (known as a “dibber”) which you will wear on your wrist throughout the event.
You will be required, as part of registration, to bring your bike to the bike transition area. It is the responsibility of each competitor to ensure they bring their bike to the relevant area. The bike drop is approx 1 mile from K2, you will not be allowed to drive to this. You must cycle to the bike drop area and walk back to your car. The road to this area has no lights so we highly recommend you arrive before dark (approx 9.30pm). If not make sure you have a good head torch with you.
Here are the best locations to view competitors from:
- Start/Finish line at K2 centre – Please note that there will be no parking at the K2 centre on race day. If you wish to view the start finish line, please use the free shuttle bus from Leenane from 11am to 5pm. Before 11am there will be a local mini bus at a small cost, leaving from the main car park.
- Cyclists -Creeragh Church (Stop and Pray church) – along the Clifden road.
- Kayak section – you will be able to see them from along the road or take a cruise on Killary cruises how are doing half price cruises for the weekend.
- Runners – If you park at Killary Cruises you can watch the runners as they run along the road after their kayak.
While navigation skills are not a requirement, do not travel faster than your route knowledge. You will be issued with an OSI overview map, read it carefully. The route will be described and marked with signs/arrows, but no permanent Marshalls. This is an unsupported adventure challenge, not a Triathlon.
We provide kayaks and all safety equipment for this as part of your entry fee. You will need your own bike. Connemara Adventure Challenge will not rent bikes or have a bike rental partner for 2010. You will also need some more mandatory kit, check the list here.
Due to insurance reasons we cannot accept anyone under the age of 18 into any of our events. All participants must be 18 years old on the date of the event.
Yes!!
There will be a party at the Killary Adventure Centre on the Saturday night, starting at 9pm. You must pre book your ticket for this by emiling here and letting us know how many tickets you need and your confirmation number - would have recieved this by email when you entered. Your tickets will be available to pick up at registration, we will not be sending out any tickets in the post! Again parking will be tight for the evening so please call pool or get a taxi from the village.