Quest – Achill
September 8, 2018 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
| Eur80SOLD OUT!
WHAT IS QUEST ACHILL?
Quest Achill takes is part of the best adventure race series in the world. This epic adventure involves racers running along Keel Beach and cycling through Achill Island, along the Wild Atlantic Way and kayaking across Keel Lake.
Choose from 3 challenging routes – Mini 18km, Sport 31km and the Expert 63km.
WAVES AND CATEGORIES
| Wave | Route | Category | Time Start | Start location |
| Wave 1 | 63K Expert | Elite/Runner | 10.00 | Keel Beach |
| Wave 2 | 63K Expert | Runner/Jogger | 10.30 | Keel Beach |
| Wave 3 | 31K Sport | Elite/Runner | 11.00 | Keel Beach |
| Wave 4 | 31K Sport | Runner/Jogger | 11.25 | Keel Beach |
| Wave 5 | 31K Sport | Runner/Jogger | 11.50 | Keel Beach |
| Wave 6 | 18K Mini | Runner/Jogger | 12.15 | Keel Beach |
*Please note all waves times are subject to change.
63KM EXPERT ROUTE INFORMATION
The race consists of the following 3 stages:
Stage 1: Kayak – 1.2km
Description: Kayak the spectacular clear waters of Keel Lough on double sit-on-top kayaks.
Restrictions: Competitors cannot bring their own Kayaks they must use provided double sit on top Kayaks & paddles. Buoyancy aid must be worn at all times.
Stage 2: Trail Run – 16km
Description: By foot follow the marked trail. There is a high gain of approx. 600m.
Terrain: Walking trail, stone path, beach, mountain track.
Features: Trail runners are recommended.
Stage 3: Cycle – 45km
Description: Pick your bike up at the transition area located at Keel beach and start this amazing cycle around Achill Island. On this stage you will encounter rolling hills and fast downhill sections.
Terrain: Sealed road, varying in quality from good to gravel and potholes.
Precautions: The roads are not closed and are open to traffic.
Note: Routes are subject to change.
31KM SPORT ROUTE INFORMATION
Note: Routes are subject to change.
The race consists of the following 3 stages:
Stage 1: Kayak – 0.9km
Description: Kayak around the spectacular clear waters of Keel Lough on double sit-on-top kayaks.
Restrictions: Competitors cannot bring their own Kayaks they must use provided double sit on top Kayaks & paddles. Buoyancy aid must be worn at all times.
Stage 2: Trail Run – 8km
Description: starting on Keel beach this stage will take you through sandy beach and along the rugged coastline.
Terrain: Walking trail, stone path, beach, mountain track.
Features: Trail runners are recommended.
Stage 3: Cycle – 22km
Description: Pick your bike up at the transition area and start this amazing cycle with breathtaking views around every corner. On this stage you will encounter steep fast downhill cycling with sharp corners as you negotiate you way through this challenging section.
Terrain: Sealed road, varying in quality from good to gravel and potholes.
Precautions: The roads are not closed and are open to traffic.
18KM MINI ROUTE INFORMATION
The race consists of the following 3 stages:
Stage 1: Kayak – 0.6km
Description: Kayak the spectacular clear waters of Keel Lough on double sit on top kayaks.
Restrictions: Competitors cannot bring their own Kayaks they must use provided double sit on top Kayaks & paddles. Buoyancy aid must be worn at all times.
Description: This stage involves running across Keel beach.
Terrain: Walking trail, stone path, beach, mountain track.
Precautions: Road runners are recommended.
Description: Pick your bike up at the transition area located at Keel beach. There are no significant climbs or descents on this section. On this stage you will encounter rolling hills and fast downhill sections.
Terrain: Sealed road, varying in quality from good to gravel and potholes.
Precautions: he roads are not closed and are open to traffic.
BEFORE THE RACE
Pre-event online registration
All competitors must register online before the race. There is no registration on the day of the event.
Race Pack Collection
Race pack collection will takes place in Gieltys Bar, Dooagh, Achill
– Friday 7th Sept: 5pm- 10pm
– Saturday 8th Sept: 8am- 9.30am
At registration please present the text message containing your race number, which you will receive a few days before the race. If you do not receive a text please bring the e-mail confirmation you received, when you registered online.
Your race pack includes:
– Timing dibber
– Race map
– Bib number
– Bike sticker
All competitors must register online before the race. There is no registration on the day of the event.
Race Start
The race starts in staggered groups of 150 people.
All competitors will start on Keel beach. Your mandatory kit list will be checked before the race. If you do not have the required mandatory kit list you will not be allowed to partake in the race.
| Wave | Route | Category | Time Start | Start location |
| Wave 1 | 63K Expert | Elite/Runner | 10.00 | Keel Beach |
| Wave 2 | 63K Expert | Runner/Jogger | 10.30 | Keel Beach |
| Wave 3 | 31K Sport | Elite/Runner | 11.00 | Keel Beach |
| Wave 4 | 31K Sport | Runner/Jogger | 11.25 | Keel Beach |
| Wave 5 | 31K Sport | Runner/Jogger | 11.50 | Keel Beach |
| Wave 6 | 18K Mini | Runner/Jogger | 12.15 | Keel Beach |
AFTER THE RACE
Finish line
The race will finish at Keel Beach.
Bike collection
Competitors can collect their bikes from the secure bike racking area when they present their race bib number which will correspond with their bike sticker number.
Race after-Party
The official after party, prize giving will take place a in Gielty Bar, Dooagh, Achill from 8pm ’til late.
Car parking
Parking is beside the start line at Keel Beach.
PRIZES
63km Expert
Overall male & female 1st, 2nd, 3rd
Over 40s 1’s male & female 1st
31km Sport
Overall male & female 1st, 2nd, 3rd
Over 40s 1’s male & female 1st
18km Mini
Overall male & female 1st
Prize sponsors:
Winners in all categories will receive outdoor products and vouchers from our sponsors.
Note: Only those starting in the earliest wave of each race distance will be considered for prizes.
RACE RULES AND GUIDELINES
- Once entered no refunds, transfers or credit can be offered for cancellations for the events.
- Mandatory Kit must be worn or carried as appropriate and as specified
- There are no road closures for the cycling routes competitors must follow the road traffic laws
- All competitors must follow the prescribed route
- Checkpoints must be visited in the correct order
- Obey the environmental policy. Any competitor found littering by race marshals or fellow competitors can be reported and disqualified
- Respect the local environment
- Assist any persons who are in difficulty and report it to closest race marshall
- Competitor’s must enter the Elite wave to win the overall category prizes
- The Race Director’s decision is final
- Competitors must be over 18yrs
- In the event of inclement weather the organisers have the right to alter the route on the day of the event
ENVIRONMENTAL RULES & POLICY
Achill is one of the most iconic locations in the world. The course encompasses areas of special conservation, national park and environmental sensitive bog and woodland. It is the objective of all competitors to leave it the way they find it and ensure adventure racing is an environmentally sustainable sport.
We aim to minimise the impact the race has on residents and families in the proximity of the race route. We appreciate fully their cooperation in the running of the event.
It is of paramount importance that all competitors respect the following environmental policy:
•Competitors must keep to the defined route and do not take short cuts.
•Any competitors found littering will be automatically disqualified.
•Mandatory Kit must be worn or carried as appropriate and as specified – Penalties will be applied
•Respect the environment, local landowners, livestock and “leave no trace” except for a few footprints
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I register for the Race?
You can registration for the race online. There are limited places available so register now not to be disappointed.
What does the registration fee include:
– Customised finishers medal
– Customised event tec t-shirt
– Kayak rental
– The famous Japanese hot tubs at the finish line
– Prizes in all categories
– Massage at finish line
– Free after party and food voucher.
– A great atmosphere and a fun day out
– Fully marshalled course
When do I collect my race pack and rack my bike?
Race pack collection will take place in Gielty Bar, Dooagh, Achill (10min drive from start/location Keel Beach)
– Friday 7th Sept: 5pm – 10pm
– Saturday 8th Sept: 8am – 9.30am
Can I register my bike on Saturday morning before the race?
Yes. All participants must bring their bikes to start line on Saturday morning.
What type bike should I use?
The choice of bike is an individual choice. The most suitable bike would be a road bike with Gator Skin tyres and least suitable would be a Mountain Bike.
Do I need any specialist equipment?
Apart from the basics (bike, helmet, running shoes) you do not need any specialist equipment. We will provide you with a kayak, paddle and buoyancy aid. A full list of mandatory equipment is available by clicking the ‘Rules and Mandatory Kit List’ button on the left.
Do I have to have any specialist map reading or mountain skill to compete in the race?
No. You will be provided with a map. The route is marked out with signs and race Marshalls will also be on hand along the route.
What is your refund policy?
When entering the event it is part of the terms and conditions that it is a non-refundable payment policy.
Is there any water available along the route?
The exact locations of water stops will be highlighted on the map given to you at registration. You will be required to bring water with you on you for the duration of the race. There will be water available at: – Bike Transition area
Who provides my Kayak?
The event organisers will provide all kayaks, paddles and buoyancy aid. Competitors will not be allowed to bring their own kayaks due to the remote location of the kayak stage.
Do I need my own kayak, buoyancy aid or paddle?
No. The event organisers will provide all kayaks, paddles and buoyancy aid. Competitors will not be allowed to bring their own Kayaks due to the remote location of the Kayak stage.
How is the race timed?
Your race time and your progress through each stage is timed using a ‘dibber’ which is attached to your wrist.
Where are the time out sections?
There is only one time out section on the route. The only time out zone where competitors can be timed out while waiting for a kayak. The maximum amount of time allowed in the time out zone is 15 minutes. You can only be timed out if you are waiting for a kayak.
Can I compete in the race as a team?
No.
How can I contact Quest Achill if I have any more questions?
Feel free to contact us with any questions by emailing info@eliteevents.ie or call Ollie on 087 602 4621
Can I listen to my iPod during the race?
No. It is extremely dangerous to listen to music whilst cycling as the roads are not closed and are open to local traffic.
Can I raise money for charity?
Yes. We encourage everybody to raise money for charity.
MANDATORY KIT
It is vital that all competitors bring the following mandatory kit list with them from the start.
- Basic First Aid Kit (Min: 1 x Dressing Pad (field dressing), Bandage, Plasters.
- Map of the route (included in your race pack).
- Survival blanket and whistle.
- Appropriate food and drink. There will be limited water re-filling points on the course.
- Cycle helmet, bike repair kit, spare tube, pump.
- Hat, gloves and waterproof jacket.
- Suitable footwear.
- Backpack or bum bag.
- All kit will be checked before the race.