Quest 12/24
August 31, 2019
Quest 12/24 is a one-day individual unsupported adventure race across Ireland’s highest mountains and the toughest cycle routes in the South West, along the Wild Atlantic Way. Quest 12/24 is for those who wish to test their physical and mental toughness to overcome everything that the Wild Atlantic Way could throw at them.
The routes were designed to be challenging and inspiring as a real test of endurance for any outdoor enthusiast along the Wild Atlantic Way. With two routes 147km and 241km, we’ll take you to the edge of your physical ability.
The Quest Adventure Series has put together routes that are both challenging and inspiring with rugged landscape and breathtaking scenery. Both routes encompasses two of Ireland’s highest mountains, grueling climbs on the bike and a windswept kayak with the backdrop of Skellig Michael
There are 2 different routes:
- 12 Hours – 146km
- 24 Hours – 253km
Precautions
Competitors undertake Quest 12/24 at their own risk.
Please familiarise yourself with the route maps, race briefing document and the areas on the route where care must be taken. Please observe warning signs, race stewards advice and listen carefully to the race briefing before the race.
*All routes are subject to change, statutory approval and license agreements.
All routes are subject to final permissions from statutory bodies and are subject to change
The 147km route consists of the following 6 stages: The route has been devised to bring you to places you have never been before, both physically and mentally. It encompasses two of Ireland’s highest mountains, gruelling climbs on the bike and a windswept kayak with the backdrop of Skellig Michael.
Stage 1: Cycle – 47.7km
Description: Starting after a mass start from the picturesque village of Sneem in South West Kerry, the first stage is a 47km road bike.
- Start: Sneem Hotel – Quest Base Camp
- Finish: Transition 1: Base of Carrantoohill, Lough Acoosee
- Distance: 47.7km Cycle
- Road Surface: Sealed roads, some sections will have grass in the middle of the road
- Bike Type: Road Bike
- Climbs: Ballaghbeama, Ring of Kerry Route
Precautions: The roads are not closed and are open to traffic.
Stage 2: Mountain Run – 13.8km
Description: A journey to the top of Ireland via two of its highest peaks, Caher and Carrauntoohil. Run/walk a fully marshalled route to a checkpoint at the summit of Carrauntoohil before returning to your bike.
- Start: Transition 1: Base of Carrauntoohil, Lough Acoose
- Finish: Transition 1: Base of Carrauntoohil, Lough Acoose
- Distance: 13.8km Mountain Run
- Surface: Mixture between mountain trail, ridge trail and stone trail
- Safety: Qualified marshals will be on hand all the way along this stage up to summit to ensure
your safety. Fully marked with arrows.
Stage 3: Cycle – 48.7km
Description: You will proceed to cycle from the transition along Ireland’s toughest climbs Ballagisheen Pass and into Waterville on the Wild Atlantic Way.
- Start: Transition 1: Base of Carrauntoohil, Lough Acoose
- Finish: Transition 2: Waterville GAA club Kayak Transition
- Distance: 48.7km Cycle
- Road Surface: Sealed roads, some sections will have grass in the middle of the road.
- Bike Type: Road Bike
- Climbs: Ballaghisheen Pass
Precautions: The roads are not closed and are open to traffic.
Stage 4: Kayak – 5km
Description: 5km Kayak around the tranquil Lough Currane in Waterville. Paddle around the many islands in this
large inland lake.
- Start: Transition 2: Waterville GAA club kayak transition
- Finish: Transition 2: Waterville GAA club kayak transition
- Distance: 5km Kayak
- Equipment: Double sit on top kayak with backrest, paddle and buoyancy aid all provided.
Each participant will kayak on their own in a double sit-on-top kayak. For environmental sensitivity reasons, participants are not allowed to bring their own kayaks. - Safety: We will provide safety boats on the water to ensure you don’t go off track and ensure your safety at all times.
Stage 5: Cycle – 14km
Description: Hugging the Wild Atlantic Way, you will cycle on the Ring of Kerry route to transition T3 in Derrynane.
- Start: Transition 2: Waterville GAA club kayak transition.
- Finish: Transition 3: Derrynane
- Distance: 14km Cycle
- Surface: Sealed roads, suitable for a road bike
Precautions: The roads are not closed and are open to traffic.
Stage 6: Trail Run – 18.8km
Description: The sting in the tail for the ultimate endurance test. An 18.8km trail run along the Kerry Way, a waymarked trail from Waterville to the finish in Sneem.
- Start: Transition 3: Derrynane
- Finish: Sneem Hotel
- Distance: 18.8km Trail Run
- Surface: Mixture of mountain trail, forest trail, gravel farm roads and secondary road surfaces.
- Safety: The trails will be fully marked with arrows and marshals at checkpoints and key junctions.
CHECKPOINTS & TIMING Each participant will be given a GPS tracker which will track their progress around the prescribed route. Participants will have to check in at certain points along the route highlighted on route maps
All routes are subject to final permissions from statutory bodies and are subject to change
The 253km route consists of the following 5 stages:
The route has been devised to bring you to places you have never been before, both physically and mentally. It encompasses two of Ireland’s highest mountains, grueling climbs on the bike and a windswept kayak with the backdrop of Skellig Michael.
Stage 1: Cycle – 80.4km
Description: Starting in the picturesque village of Sneem in South West Kerry, the first stage is a 80.4km road bike.
- Start: Sneem Hotel – Quest Base Camp
- Finish: Transition 1: Base of Carrantoohill, Lough Acoose
- Distance: 80.4km Cycle
- Road Surface: Sealed roads, some sections will have grass in the middle of the road
- Bike Type: Road Bike
- Climbs: Molls Gap, Lough Brin, Ballaghbeama
Precautions: The roads are not closed and are open to traffic.
Stage 2: Mountain Run – 12.9km
Description: A journey to the top of Ireland via two of its highest peaks, Caher and Carrauntoohil. Run/walk a fully marshaled route to a checkpoint at the summit of Carrauntoohil before returning to your bike.
- Start: Transition 1: Base of Carrauntoohil, Lough Acoose
- Finish: Transition 1: Base of Carrauntoohil, Lough Acoose
- Distance: 12.9km Mountain Run
- Surface: Mixture between mountain trail, ridge trail and stone trail
- Safety: Qualified marshals will be on hand all the way along this stage up to summit to ensure your safety. Fully marked with arrows.
Stage 3: Cycle – 113km
Description: 113km road bike through some of Ireland’s toughest climbs. Cycle around Valentia Island, Ballinskelligs Ring
overlooking Skellig Rock.
- Start: Transition 1: Base of Carrauntoohil, Lough Acoose
- Finish: Transition 2: Waterville GAA club Kayak Transition
- Distance: 113km Cycle
- Road Surface: Sealed roads, some sections will have grass in the middle of the road.
- Bike Type: Road Bike
- Climbs: Molls Gap, Lough Brin, Ballaghisheen Pass, Coomanaspic
Precautions: The roads are not closed and are open to traffic.
Stage 4: Kayak – 10km
Description: 10km Kayak around the tranquil Lough Currane in Waterville. Paddle around the many islands in this
large inland lake.
- Start: Transition 2: Waterville GAA club kayak transition
- Finish: Transition 2: Waterville GAA club kayak transition
- Distance: 10km Kayak
- Equipment: Double sit on top kayak with backrest, paddle and buoyancy aid all provided.
Each participant will kayak on their own in a double sit-on-top kayak. For environmental sensitivity reasons, participants are not allowed to bring their own kayaks. - Safety: We will provide safety boats on the water to ensure you don’t go off track and ensure your safety at all times.
Stage 5: Trail Run – 35km
Description: The sting in the tail for the ultimate endurance test. A 35km trail run along the Kerry Way, a way-marked trail
from Waterville to the finish in Sneem.
- Start: Transition 2: Waterville GAA club kayak transition.
- Finish: Finish Sneem Hotel
- Distance: 35km Trail Run
- Surface: Mixture of mountain trail, forest trail, gravel farms road and secondary road surface.
- Safety: The trails will be fully marked with arrows and marshals at checkpoints and key junctions.
Each participant will be given a GPS tracker which will track their progress around the prescribed route.
Participants will have to check in at certain points along the route highlighted on route maps