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The BlackStairs Adventure race is a race you don’t want to miss with something for everyone including the family. We promise you a value for money event at a high standard in a beautiful location spanning the Carlow, Wexford and Kilkenny borders.

The BlackStairs Adventure Race takes place on Sun 6th May 2018(final details to be confirmed) it is an adventure race with a difference in that we aim to cater for the athlete and their family. We want to ensure all our competitors enjoy the challenge at an affordable price without all the hidden extras, if you’re fed up of forking out for expensive entry fees then this is the race for you as we will provide a high standard race that should attract elite to beginner adventure racers at a very affordable cost.

THE SEVEN BLACK STEPS

This is the most challenging series of stages or steps as we like to call them. See details of route below

BlackStairs Adventure Race

  1. Bohereen Run, Wood Trail and Mountain Run 10.5km
  2. Short Cycle to Kayak area 9km
  3. 3km Kayak on the Barrow River
  4. 25km Cycle with some tough climbs and sharp bends
  5. Blackstairs Mountain Run 6km
  6. Sprint cycle mainly flat 11 km
  7. Run to finish line 1km

 

THE FIVE BLACK STEPS

This is the easier course yet quite challenging in every respect.

BlackStairs Adventure Race

  1.  Bohereen Run, Wood Trail and Mountain Run 10.5km
  2. Short Cycle to Kayak area 9km
  3. 3km Kayak on the Barrow River
  4. 23km Cycle with some tough climbs and sharp bends
  5. Run to finish line 1km

THE THREE BLACK STEPS

This is the easiest course which does not include a kayak but yet a great introduction to an adventure race.
Please note the exact course length may vary slightly.

  1. Bohereen Run, Wood Trail and Mountain Run 11km
  2. 15km Cycle – relatively flat
  3. Run to finish line .5km

REGISTRATION

STRICTLY NO ONLINE OR OFFLINE REGISTRATION AFTER THE 28TH OF APRIL – NO ENTRIES ALLOWED ON THE DAY

Please arrive at least an hour before your event start time and please park as instructed by our parking stewards.

SAT 29TH APRIL BETWEEN 6.00PM – 8.00PM FOR 3 STEPS, 5 STEPS AND 7 STEPS
SUN 30TH APRIL BETWEEN 7.00AM – 9.00AM FOR 7 STEPS
SUN 30TH APRIL BETWEEN 7.00AM – 9.30AM FOR 5 STEPS
SUN 30TH APRIL BETWEEN 9.00AM – 11.00AM FOR 3 STEPS

Online Registration will close on April 28th at Midnight(to be confirmed) or earlier if our limit is reached.

Event Registration and Number pick up will take place in Rathnure GAA Hurling Arena. When you register you will receive your race number, timing dib, goody bag and event running top

Registrations will not be accepted on the day and t-shirts or goody bags will not be guaranteed for late entrants, please check our website or facebook page www.facebook.com/blackstairsadventurerace to avoid disappointment.

Please do not forget to wear your timing dib, dibs must be returned at the end of the reace to get a print out of your times.

BIKE DROP

Please note you can drop your bikes before or after registering in Rathnure to facilitate those coming from different directions. Please make sure to give yourself enough time to drop your bike and register and be in Rathnure in time for your race.

It is IMPORTANT that your bike is ready to go before you arrive at the Bike drop off, nutrition and hydration products already attached etc. The bike drop off is as it says, a drop off area ONLY. Cycling gear can be left with your bike in the bike transition but must be securely attached to your bike such as your cycling shoes or helmet which is mandatory. Anyone without a bicycle helmet will be disqualified on the day.

Note the 3 steps Bike Drop is close to Rathnure , the 5 and 7 steps bike Drop is near Ballymurphy. At the bike drop area you will receive a bike race number, please affix your bike race number sticker to your bike so that you can easily identify it during the race. You will be allocated a Zone for yor bike. Please be aware of other competitors bikes and take care when placing your bike on the bike racks. Security will be present at the bike drop area at all times.

It is important to note that when you leave the bike transition area on race day you must take everything with you, NOTHING can be left in the bike transition area on race day anyone found leaving garmets or litter in this area will be disqualified.

7 BLACK STEPS BIKE DROP

SUN 30TH APRIL BETWEEN 7.00AM – 9.00AM

5 BLACK STEPS BIKE DROP

SUN 30TH APRIL BETWEEN 7.00AM – 10.00AM

The Bike Drop area for 7 Black Steps and 5 Black Steps is located close to Ballymurphy approx 20 minutes drive from Rathnure. Signs will guide you to the bike drop area. At the bike drop area you will receive a bike race number, please affix your bike race number sticker to your bike so that you can easily identify it during the race. Security will be present at the bike drop area at all times. Note: It is possible to drop your bike prior to registration if you are coming from that direction.

For additional directions please see www.blackstairsadventurerace.com/Home/Directions

GPS CO-ORDINATES FOR 7/5 STEPS BIKE DROP N52 32.814 W006 51.525

DIRECTIONS FROM THE BALLYMURPHY BIKE DROP TO RATHNURE GAA GROUNDS

You will take a right turn coming out of the Bike Drop Area, proceed towards Ballymurphy Village. Take a right turn in the village heading for Kiltealy drive straight then take a right turn at the Thatch pub in Kiltealy. Proceed along this road heading in the direction of Killanne. Staying on the main road drive through Killanne crossroads and continue on 2 miles to Rathnure village. In Rathnure village take a left after Conrans furniture at the Graveyard. Continue up the road past the school to the GAA grounds on the right.

DIRECTIONS FROM THE RATHNURE GAA GROUNDS TO BALLYMURPHY BIKE DROP

You will take a left turn coming out of the Rathnure GAA Grounds. At the Graveyad T junction take a right turn and proceed through Rathnure Village and continue on to Killanne go straight through Killanne in the direction of Kiltealy. I the middle of Kiltealy village take a left turn at the Thatch pub heading for Borris/Ballymurphy. Continue striaght to Ballymurphy village. In Ballymurphy village take a left at the shop. Continue straight along this road the bike drop area is a mile or so on the left hand side. There will be signage to direct you.

For additional directions please see www.blackstairsadventurerace.com/Home/Directions

3 BLACK STEPS BIKE DROP

SUN 6TH MAY BETWEEN 9.00AM – 11.00AM

The Bike Drop area for 3 Black Steps is located about 5 mins drive from Rathnure at Grange Lane.

GPS CO-ORDINATES FOR 3 STEPS BIKE DROP N52 30.381 W006 47.062

DIRECTIONS FROM RATHNURE TO THE 3 STEPS BIKE DROP

Coming from the GAA grounds in Rathnure, take a left down by the school at the first t-junction head right for Rathnure village and continue straight after about half a mile or more take a left at the cross roads heading for Monks Grange/Grange Upper. Take a left at the next t-junction and the bike drop is down the road about a half mile on the left hand side.

Signs will guide you to the bike drop area. At the bike drop area you will receive a bike race number, please affix your bike race number sticker to your bike so that you can easily identify it during the race. Security will be present at the bike drop area at all times.

KAYAK DROP FOR ANYONE BRINGING THEIR OWN

Anyone bringing their own Kayaks must notify us in advance, please contact support@blackstairsadventurerace.com or Michael on 08764830320

Kayaks MUST be dropped to Graiguenemanagh after 8.30am on the morning of the race. You will need a buoyancy aid and kayak helmet. Please arrange with us if you need same.

RACE DAY PRE RACE

ATHLETES ARE ADVISED TO ARRIVE AT LEAST 1 HOUR BEFORE YOUR EVENT

Please follow the instructions of stewards on the day to facilitate parking.

ON YOUR MARKS – RACE START

TIMES ARE OPEN TO CHANGE DEPENDING ON NUMBERS PLEASE REVERT FOR FINAL TIMES CLOSER TO EVENT

7 BLACK STEPS – 10.00AM
5 BLACK STEPS – 11.00AM
3 BLACK STEPS – 12.00PM

Race briefings will take place in the main GAA arena and commence half hour before your event start time. Make sure you have race numbers and timing dib on and are ready to go.

FAMILY RACE DAY ENTERTAINMENT AND MINI ADVENTURE RACE

KICKING OFF AROUND 2.30 IN TIME TO CHEER THEM ALL HOME.

Face Painting, Mini Adventure Race, BBQ and more ..

EVENT RULES

The rules must be respected or competitor may face disqualification.

  • Rule 1 Registration will include signing of race rules and agreement to waive liability.
  • Rule 2 You can only win or be placed for the event that you registered for i.e If you registered for the 5 Black Steps you cannot win or compete in the 7 Black Steps and visa versa.
  • Rule 3 Mandatory Kit must be carried or worn at all times.
  • Rule 4 You are not allowed to be handed food or drink or any equipment from spectators, the race is a self sufficent event.
  • Rule 5 Timing checkpoints at each step/stage must be visited in the correct order.
  • Rule 6 Adhere to the rules of the road and cycle on the left at all times.
  • Rule 7 Do not litter and respect the local environment and its inhabitants.
  • Rule 8 Kayaks will be provided on the day but experienced kayakers can bring their own kayak, paddle and life vest.