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FIRST THERE WAS GAELFORCE WEST AND IT WAS THE ULTIMATE CHALLENGE. NOW THERE IS GAELFORCE WEST ULTRA. THERE IS A NEW ULTIMATE.

MOUNTAIN RUNNING AND CYCLING 154KM

Mountain running and cycling through the toughest routes in Connemara and Mayo over a distance of 154km, this is an endurance challenge that may break you and rebuild you many times.

THE BONUS

To soften the edges the route includes arguably the most spectacular scenery in the west of Ireland that you will ever have the privilege of discovering. Take a breather, look around you.

THE ROUTE

The white crescent sands of Glassilaun beach in Connemara will be your starting point before you make your journey across the peaks of the Maamturk mountains, entering the heart of Joyce Country, cycling on through the valleys of Killary, Maam, Maamtrasna, Lough Nafooey, Delphi and Drummin. In true Gaelforce West style Croagh Patrick will be your final challenge before you cross the line in Westport town.

NOTHING COMPARES TO THIS. NOTHING. 

Places are limited so book early.

THE COURSE

DISCIPLINE DISTANCES MAKING UP THE 154KM COURSE:

1. Running: 34km approx   2. Cycling: 120km approx

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

STAGE 1: RUN (30KM)

Starting on Glassilaun beach at daybreak you will make your way to Killary Fjord and along the rough Famine greenway which hugs the shore. The mountains of Connemara and south Mayo soar either side of you. You will then begin your ascent into the unmarked Maamturk mountains, along the aptly named Col of Despondency. Descending into Leenane village you will overlook the fjord once more as you follow the Western Way trail to your first transition at Killary Adventure Centre.

STAGE 2: CYCLE (107KM)

The cycle begins along the shore of Killary Fjord passing through Leenane village and into the Maam valley. Once again mountains loom above you on every side and houses are sparse. Turning into the Maamtrasna valley the route passes Lough Nafooey and Lough Mask before turning at Tourmakeady bringing you over the mountain pass to the Erriff river. Here the route follows the Erriff back to Aashleagh Falls, along the north side of Killary Fjord and into the stunning Delphi valley.

Leaving the Delphi Valley and heading for Drummin there are impressive hills to climb and extreme care needed on the downhills. Expect severe corners and narrow country roads. On to a gradual climb (all on sealed roads) to the back of Croagh Patrick and the next transition area.

STAGE 3: MOUNTAIN RUN (4.5KM)

Though your legs may be staging a protest but there is no completion without the traditional ascent and descent of 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.

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 5: CYCLING (11.0KM)

Always obey the rules of the road. The route tracks back to the N59 which competitors follow into Westport town and the finish line.

STAGE 6: FINAL RUN

Bring your bike on to the green area to the final bike drop and make the final short run to the finish line at Westport Leisure Park in the town centre.

PRICING

ENTRY IS ONLINE AND IS NOW OPEN

€195.00pp    Until sold out* Limited places available

Prices shown do not include booking fee.

A SUBSIDISED €15 FEE WILL BE ADDED AT THE POINT OF ENTRY ONLINE TO COVER THE COST OF GPS TRACKER SAFETY EQUIPMENT HIRE

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

  1. Transfer of you and your bike from the finish line back to Killary Adventure Centre – €25 (not included in event price)
  2. Accommodation package at Killary Adventure Centre – €95 (#1 is incl in this package)

PLEASE NOTE You must be over 18 years of age on the day of the race to enter.

ENTRY FEE INCLUDES

  • Bus transfer from Killary Adventure Centre to the start line
  • Race clothing
  • Two food stops along the course
  • Safety cover throughout the route
  • Finisher’s medal
  • Post-event food

BOOK ACCOMMODATION PACKAGE ONLINE

Stay at Killary Adventure Centre with 2 nights B&B and 1 dinner for only €95.00pps in an ensuite dorm room. Transfers to start line and back to Killary Adventure Centre after the race with your bike are included.

A double/twin room may be booked directly by contacting Reservations on 095 43411 or emailing adventure@killary.com.

ULTRA RACE INFO

FRIDAY JUNE 22 2018

Registration – Killary Adventure Centre time TBC

Bike transition located here also

SATURDAY JUNE 23 2018

Bus transfer: From Killary Adventure Centre to the start line 04:30

Start Time: 05:30

Food stops: Killary bike transition & Delphi bike transition

MANDATORY KIT

  • GPS tracker must be carried at all times
  • Survival blanket and whistle
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Waterproof trousers
  • Cycle helmet (to be left with your bike)
  • Suitable mountain running shoes with agressive thread
  • Food and drink. Water is provided for refilling your own vessels at transition points

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