FEARmanagh Adventure Race
September 30, 2023
What better way to spend a Saturday morning than getting up close and personal with Fermanagh’s rugged and wild terrain. Cycle through quiet back roads that cut through the limestone landscape, carved out by Ireland’s icy past, they’re guaranteed to give you more ups than downs!
Then experience the wetter side of Fermanagh as you take to the water for 2 challenging Kilometres along Lough Erne’s rocky shores – and if the 304 metre near vertical climb to the top of the Magho Cliff Challenge doesn’t take your breath away, then maybe the panoramic view it offers at the top will! So in a county steeped in myth and folklore, are you ready to become a legend in your own time?
Feel the FEAR and do it anyway!
Long Race
Short Race
- Cycling (Tir Navar to Lough Navar) 9.8kms
- Running (Blackslee Trail) 4.5km
- Cycling (Knockmore to Lough Shore cont……) 3.8kms
- Running (The Magho Cliff Challenge – downhill) 1.2km
- Kayaking (Paddle Power Point) 1km
- Running (The Magho Cliff Challenge – uphill 1,000ft) 1.2km
- Cycling (Lough Shore to Pub Door) 13.6kms
Total: 35Kms (approx)
Full Description
LEG 1 – CYCLING
After an easy start down through Derrygonnelly a series of small hills brings you to the foot of the climb up to the forest drive entrance. The next bit isn’t any easier; it’s a leg buster to T1.
LEG 2 – TRAIL RUNNING
Maybe on the map this doesn’t look too bad but give it some respect. The first half is downhill on fire road except for about 800m of single track past the waterfall. It’s all uphill now back to the transition. It feels relentless and will sap the leg strength before the next section.
LEG 3 – CYCLING
This is the shortest bike leg. If you’re changing shoes between running and cycling you might decide it’s not worth it for this section. The only problem is the really steep bit of road about half way in. Not easy to overcome in trail shoes on clipless pedals. If you can take the time to admire the view from T2 glance across Lough Erne towards Donegal. It’s spectacular but looks a long way down.
LEG 4 – TRAIL RUNNING
Almost 300metres of descending in less than 1km. This will trash the legs unless you’re used to hill running. The steps can be tricky but you must keep to the path.
LEG 5 – KAYAKING
Grab your choice of open top kayak and head east parallel to the shoreline for 500metres before rounding the buoy and heading back to the transition area. You should be sheltered from the prevailing winds so you can enjoy the long views across Lough Erne to your right or contemplate what’s to come on the next leg to your left. Make sure to go around the jetty before heading into the shore.
LEG 6 – TRAIL RUNNING
As a one off this next bit, the climb back up to T2, is hard enough but after what’s gone before it’s nothing short of horrendous. If you can run all the way and not cramp up you’ll be one of the very few.
LEG 7 – CYCLING
The glory leg, this is a fast and furious descent to the finish. Enjoy it. No holding back required. Let your inner Bradley Wiggins out.
Total: 35Kms (approx)