Gaelforce – North
September 22, 2018 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
| Eur75.00THERE IS NOWHERE QUITE LIKE THE HILLS OF DONEGAL
62KM FULL & 43KM SPRINTCOURSES IN A LANDSCAPE MADE FOR ADVENTURE
Expect rain and wind, sunshine and waves, expect the elements and rise to your challenge at Gaelforce North 2018.
TRAIL AND MOUNTAIN RUNNING OR WALKING, CYCLING AND KAYAKING
The route takes you from the jagged peaks of Glenveagh National Park via the bog and scree of Mount Errigal to the sweeping sandy beaches of Bunbeg. The terrain includes rough tracks, mountain scree, trails, sealed roads, shimmering lakes and sand dunes.
GFN ADVENTURE DUATHLON
Stay on dry land – same great routes as the Full and Sprint Courses, just no kayaking.
Adventure Duathlon: 60km / Sprint Adventure Duathlon: 42km
GAELFORCE NORTH – 64KM
DISCIPLINE DISTANCES IN THE 62KM COURSE:
1. Running/walking: 19.5km approx
2. Cycling: 40.5km approx
3. Kayaking: 2km max
**NOTE CHANGE FOR 2018:
Kayak Stage has been moved – see stage 4
Cycle Route has been changed – see stage 4 & 5
THE DETAILED BREAKDOWN:
STAGE 1 TRAIL AND ROAD RUN (15.5KM)
Starting at the southwest end of Glenveagh Valley running along a narrow path through the Bridle Pass, into the grounds of Glenveagh Castle and up and over Gartan Mountain (200m height) to Gartan Lake. This is a remarkable run through the valley and past Lough Veagh. Watch out for the Golden Eagles!
STAGE 2 CYCLING (24KM)
Cycling on sealed tarmac roads through Glenveagh National Park and alongside the Derryveagh Mountains, to Errigal Mountain
STAGE 3 ERRIGAL MOUNTAIN RUN/WALK (4KM)
A marked route is followed up and down Mount Errigal. Terrain is varied, including bog nearer the base and scree further up.
Competitors must reach the base of Errigal by 1.30pm otherwise they will not be allowed to climb.
STAGE 4 CYCLING AND KAYAKING (2KM)
From the bottom of Errigal it is a short cycle of approx 3.5km to Dunlewy Centre and the Kayak transition. There is a time out at the kayak transition except for those in Wave 1 competing for a podium position. The boats are tandem sit-on-top kayaks. You will paddle a looped course on the lake.
STAGE 5 CYCLING AND FINAL RUN (13.5KM)
For the final stage you will cycle back on to the R251 turning left. At the next T Junction you will turn left on to the N56.After approx 3km in Gweedore you will turn right on to the R258 into Bunbeg. Turn right at the T-junction and follow marshals and sign posting to Inishcool Beach.
The race ends with a short run along the dunes to the finish line.
ADVENTURE DUATHLON – 60KM:
The course is the same as that above, but without STAGE 4.
GAELFORCE NORTH SPRINT – 43KM
DISCIPLINE DISTANCES IN THE 43KM COURSE:
1. Running/walking: 12km approx
2. Cycling: 30km approx
3. Kayaking: 1km max
**NOTE CHANGE FOR 2018:
Kayak Stage has been moved – see stage 4
Cycle Route has been changed – see stage 4 & 5
THE DETAILED BREAKDOWN:
STAGE 1 TRAIL AND ROAD RUN (10KM)
Starting at the southwest end of Glenveagh Valley running along a narrow path through the Bridle Pass, passing through the grounds of Glenveagh Castle and to the bike transition in the car park. This is a breathtaking route and one you will remember forever.
STAGE 2 CYCLING (14KM)
Cycling on sealed tarmac roads through Glenveagh National Park and alongside the Derryveagh Mountains, to Errigal Mountain.
STAGE 3 ERRIGAL MOUNTAIN RUN/WALK (2KM)
Up to the shoulder (approximately half way up) of Mount Errigal and back down. Terrain is varied, including bog nearer the base and scree further up.
Competitors must reach the base of Errigal by 1.30pm otherwise they will not be allowed to climb.
STAGE 4 CYCLE AND KAYAK (1KM)
From the bottom of Errigal it is a short cycle of approx 3.5km to Dunlewy Centre and the Kayak transition. There is a time out at the kayak transition except for those in Wave 1 competing for a podium position. The boats are tandem sit-on-top kayaks. You will paddle a looped course on the lake.
STAGE 5 CYCLING AND FINAL RUN (13KM)
For the final stage you will cycle back on to the R251 turning left. At the next T Junction you will turn left on to the N56. After approx 3km in Gweedore you will turn right on to the R258 into Bunbeg. Turn right at the T-junction and follow marshals and sign posting to Inishcool Beach.
The race ends with a short run along the dunes to the finish line.
SPRINT ADVENTURE DUATHLON – 42KM:
This course is the same as that above but without STAGE 4.
PRICING & INFO
ENTRY IS ONLINE ONLY AND IS NOW OPEN
GAELFORCE NORTH & ADVENTURE DUATHLON
€75.00pp Until 17:00 January 31 2018 (Early bird price)
€85.00pp Until 17:00 September 14 2018
€95.00pp Until online entry closes & price on the day
PLEASE NOTE
- All prices shown include bus transfer to start line.
- All prices shown exclude €4.50 booking fee
- Online registration closes at 15:00 on Thursday 20 September 2018
- You must be over 18 years of age on the day of the race to enter.
BIKE TRANSFER (OPTIONAL)
€15.00per bike* Until registration closes
*Bike transfer from registration at Glenswilly GAA pitch to your selected Bike Transition
DOWNLOAD BIKE DISCLAIMER FORM HERE
RETURN CUSTOMERS DISCOUNT
Return customers can avail of a 10% discount by emailing info@gaelforceevents.com with the year you did the race and your finishing time. We will send you a discount code to use for your online entry.
ENTRY FEE INCLUDES
- Event technical T-shirt
- Goodie bag from John West
- Race medal upon completion
- Use of kayaks, paddles and buoyancy aids
- Use of individual electronic timing chips
- Post-event food from John West!
Please note t-shirts are ordered 4 weeks in advance of the race. Entries after this may have to have t-shirt posted out.
IMPORTANT TIMES & LOCATIONS
REGISTRATION:
From 17:00 to 22:00 Friday 21 September 2018 at Glenswilly GAA Club just outside Letterkenny.
BIKE DROP LOCATIONS:
GFN 64km & 62km: Gartan Lake
GFN Sprint 45km & 44km: Glenveagh National Park
WAVE START TIMES:
For all races the wave start times are at 07:00 and 07:30. These are the times the buses leave Bunbeg. The race starts 1.5hrs after this.
Note: You must be in Wave 1 (07:00) with no time out in order to be considered for a prize in any category.
For more information see our Race FAQs
EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY
Sign up for event photography during registration to avail of a special discounted price of €4.95 for 2 photos (normal price €8.60
FIRST TIMER
Training and preparation for Gaelforce North – Top Ten Tips from someone who has been there and got the t-shirt (and the medal):
TRAINING AND PREPARATION FOR GAELFORCE NORTH – TOP TEN TIPS:
1. Remember this is a manageable distance and a stunning course
2. Train in all weather
3. Train off-road as well as on the road
4. Combine your training.
5. Find a friend or group to train with and to do the race with.
6. You will be out there on the day for a long time so you need to train for that.
7. Build stamina and strength.
8. Do not get stressed the day or the evening before.
9. Make sure you have the right clothing for every weather condition
10. Do it for a reason.
Need more advice? Read our staff member’s First Timer Blog from her experience of doing Gaelforce North to get the inside track!
SPECTATOR INFO
SPECTATORS ARE VERY WELCOME AT GAELFORCE NORTH AND YOUR SUPPORT WILL BE MUCH APPRECIATED BY THE COMPETITORS.
The best locations to spectate from are as follows:
- Full course kayaking location at Gartan Lake
- Bike transition for the sprint race at Glenveagh National Park car park
- Bike transition for full and sprint courses at the base of Mount Errigal
- The finish line at the beach at Bunbeg
It is not possible to spectate at the start line as access here is very restricted.
RESULTS & REPORTS
OVERALL WINNER
Trophies for 1st, 2nd and 3rd male and female in the Full Course. Free entry into next year’s race for the 1st male and 1st female.
Trophies and free entries for 1st male and 1st female in the Sprint Course.
Trophies for the 1st male and 1st female in the Full Course and Sprint Course Adventure Duathlons.
CATEGORY WINNERS
Trophies for 1st male and female in Vets and Super-Vets categories for the Full Course only.