Gaelforce – North
September 23, 2017 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
| Eur65.00MAGNIFICENT DONEGAL – NEVER DULL ALWAYS A CHALLENGE. WILL IT CONQUER YOU?
NEW DATE SAME RACE. NOW YOU HAVE THE SUMMER TO TRAIN. NO EXCUSES.
64KM FULL & 45KM SPRINTCOURSES SPANNING WILDEST DONEGAL
The route takes you from the stark peaks of Glenveagh National Park via Mount Errigal to the sweeping beaches of Bunbeg.
TRAIL AND MOUNTAIN RUNNING OR WALKING; CYCLING AND KAYAKING
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: 62km / Sprint Adventure Duathlon: 44km
GAELFORCE NORTH – 64KM
THE BREAKDOWN OF DISCIPLINE DISTANCES WITHIN THE 64KM COURSE:
1. Running/walking: 19.5km approx
2. Cycling: 45.5km approx
3. Kayaking: 2km max
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 KAYAKING ON GARTAN LAKE (2KM)
You will paddle a looped course on the lake. The boats are tandem sit-on-top kayaks.
STAGE 3 CYCLING (24KM)
Cycling on sealed tarmac roads through Glenveagh National Park and alongside the Derryveagh Mountains, to Errigal Mountain
STAGE 4 ERRIGAL MOUNTAIN RUN/WALK (4KM)
A marked route is followed up and down Mount Errigal.
Competitors must reach the base of Errigal by 1.30pm otherwise they will not be allowed to climb.
STAGE 5 CYCLING AND FINAL RUN (18.5KM)
Cycle to Inishcoole Beach at Bunbeg. This is a mix of on and off road cycling – approximately 6km off road along rough Coillte forest tracks. The race ends with a short run along the dunes to the finish line.
NEW 2016 – ADVENTURE DUATHLON – 62KM:
The course is the same as that above, but without STAGE 2.
GAELFORCE NORTH SPRINT – 45KM
THE BREAKDOWN OF DISCIPLINE DISTANCES WITHIN THE SPRINT COURSE:
1. Running/walking: 12km approx
2. Cycling: 32km approx
3. Kayaking: 1km max
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.
STAGE 2 CYCLING (14KM)
Cycling on sealed tarmac roads through Glenveagh National Park, 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 to Dunlewy Lake. There is a time out at the kayak transition except for those in the elite category. The boats are tandem sit-on-top kayaks. You will paddle a looped course on the lake.
STAGE 5 CYCLING AND FINAL RUN (18KM)
Cycle to Inishcoole Beach at Bunbeg. This is a mix of on and off road cycling – approximately 6km off road along rough Coillte forest tracks. The race ends with a short run along the dunes to the finish line at the beach.
NEW 2016 – SPRINT ADVENTURE DUATHLON – 44KM:
The course is the same for the Sprint Course above, without STAGE 4.
PRICING & INFO
ENTRY IS ONLINE ONLY AND IS NOW OPEN
GAELFORCE NORTH & ADVENTURE DUATHLON
€75.00pp Until 17:00 January 31 2017 (Early bird price)
€85.00pp Until 17:00 September 15 2017
€95.00pp Until online entry closes & price on the day
GAELFORCE NORTH SPRINT & SPRINT ADVENTURE DUATHLON
€65.00pp Until 17:00 January 31 2017 (Early bird price)
€75.00pp Until 17:00 September 15 2017
€85.00pp 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 21 September 2017
You must be over 18 years of age on the day of the race to enter.
RETURN CUSTOMERS DISCOUNT
If you have taken part in a previous year you can avail of a further 10% discount off the entry price. Email us at info@gaelforceevents.com with the year and your finishing time and we will send you a discount code to use for your online entry. This discount is not available to use with any other discounts or promotions.
GROUP BOOKINGS DISCOUNT
Book 10 competitors and get the 11th person free – email us atinfo@gaelforceevents.com to organise your discount.
Please note: This discount is only available after the early bird discount ends (Jan 31st 2017)
ENTRY FEE INCLUDES
- Event technical T-shirt
- 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 22 September 2017 at Glen Swilly 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.
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.