Gaelforce – West
September 5, 2020
| EVENT CANCELLED
Rescheduled to 05 September ’20.
ICONIC ADVENTURE RACE THROUGH BREATHTAKING SCENERY
The route takes you from Glassilaun beach in Co. Galway to the heritage town of Westport, Co Mayo.
TRAIL AND MOUNTAIN RUNNING OR WALKING; CYCLING AND KAYAKING
Always varied, never boring – the terrain includes mountain scree, bog land, trails, sealed roads and the majestic waters of Killary Fjord.
CONNEMARA, KILLARY FJORD, CROAGH PATRICK & WESTPORT
So many highlights along the way on a route designed to challenge, delight and inspire.
DISCIPLINE DISTANCES MAKING UP THE 66KM COURSE:
1. Running/walking: 22km approx 2. Cycling: 43km approx 3. Kayaking: 1km max
THE DETAILED BREAKDOWN:
STAGE 1: BEACH, TRAIL AND ROAD RUN (13.5KM)
Start line located at Glassilaun beach in Connemara. Continue by road around Little Killary Harbour and then over the hillside into Killary Fjord. Make your way along the Old Famine Greenway (muddy and uneven underfoot) to the shore below Killary Adventure Centre and the kayak transition area.
STAGE 2: KAYAKING ACROSS KILLARY HARBOUR (1KM)
Kayak from the southern shore of Killary Fjord to its northern shore in a two-man sit-on-top with the next competitor to you.
STAGE 3: TRAIL AND ROAD RUN (4KM)
Disembarking onto the foothills of Mweelrea, with tufted long grass and boggy holes underfoot. Next on to a laneway and eventually a narrow road leading you into the Delphi Valley.
STAGE 4: CYCLING (32KM)
Leaving the Delphi Valley and heading for Drummin, spectacular hills to climb and extreme care needed on the downhills. Expect severe corners and narrow country roads. On to a gradual climb up to the back of Croagh Patrick and the transition area. The final 2km of this section is on a loose-stoned and rough forestry track. Punctures possible on a road bike.
For more information on bike choice go to our Race FAQs
STAGE 5: MOUNTAIN RUN/WALK (4.5KM)
Croagh Patrick (764m). Stay on the path and take care on the top section of this mountain as it has a lot of loose stones. If you do not reach the transition here by 2.00pm, you will not be allowed to ascend the mountain and you will be short coursed back to Westport.
Killary Gaelforce would like to acknowledge and thank all of the land owners of the Croagh Patrick mountain for the continued support of Gaelforce West, without which the event could not happen. Killary Gaelforce would like to share the ethos of care on Croagh Patrick with you our competitors. We ask that all competitors ensure that they ‘Leave No Trace’ on the mountain and that what they bring up with them MUST come down. We also encourage you to read the Mayo Mountain Rescue Safety Guidelines when climbing Croagh Patrick.
STAGE 6: CYCLING (11KM)
**New in 2019 – Continue along the route R335 until you reach the junction with the N59, turn left and continue to next T-junction turning right into Westport town centre. At the bottom of the hill you will take a sharp left down Church street. Note there are speed ramps on the final decent. You will be asked to slow down and dismount before you proceed won Church Street.
STAGE 7: FINAL RUN
Cycle on to the bike drop by the lake at Westport Quay where you will leave your bike. The final run through the grounds of Westport House brings you to the finish line in Westport Leisure Park in Westport town centre.