The 59km Expert race consists of the following 8 stages:

Stage 1: Cycle – 6km
Description: Starting after a mass start from the Laragh GAA pitch you will cycle up along Military road. From here you will drop you bike at the transition area in the Shay Elliot recreation area.

Terrain: Sealed road, varying in quality from good to fair with possibility of some gravel and potholes.

Precautions: The roads are not closed and are open to traffic.

Stage 2: Trail Run – 6km
Description: Competitors will drop their bikes at the Shay Elliot recreational area carpark.

By foot you then follow a marked forest trail and then open mountain trail towards the summit of Braigue Mountain (502m) before returning to summit of Cullentra (467m) and back via mountain and forest tracks to the transition area.

Competitors can embrace the views of the stunning Glenmalure valley and the surrounding mountains.

Terrain: Walking trail, stone path, forest track, mountain track of good to rough quality with slippy muck and rock sections.

Precautions: Trail runners are highly recommended.

Stage 3: Cycle – 13km
Description: You will proceed to cycle from the transition area down the hill into the picturesque Glenmalure Valley.

After crossing the Avonbeg river close to the old Drumgoff Military barracks you climb up the testing Slieve Mann climb to Drumgoff Gap (The highest cycle point on the route at 450m). You then descent into Aughavanagh and turn left to bring you back up the Brown mountain climb to the 2nd Expert transition at 

Note: You will encounter steep hills and sharp bends on this section.Barnaslew parking area.

Precautions: The roads are not closed and are open to traffic.

Terrain: Sealed road, varying in quality from good to fair with possibility of some gravel and potholes

Stage 4: Run – 5km
Description: Starting at Barnaslew transition area you follow forest trail to back near the Ballinagappoge bridge from where you will follow a forest trail and then onto the open mountain to the summit Croaghanmoira mountain (High point of the course at 667m).

From the summit you descend back to transition by the edge of the forest on a steep, rough, rocky track.

Terrain: Walking trail, stone path, forest track, mountain track with slippy muck and rock sections.

Precautions: Trail runners are highly recommended.

Stage 5: Cycle – 18km
Description: Back on your bike head you descend towards Greenan and the final bike climb of the day past Glenmalure golf club on a section of recently laid “cream cheese” surfaced road.

You then descend to join the R755 and return to the transition area at Laragh GAA pitch.

Terrain: Sealed road, varying in quality from very good to fair with possibility of some gravel and potholes

Precautions: The roads are not closed and are open to traffic.

Stage 6: Trail Run – 6km
Description: Competitors will rack their bikes at the Laragh GAA transition area. From here you head out a forest track running along the side of the valley with fabulous views down onto the valley and the world famous Glendalough round tower and monastic heritage site and catch a glimpse of your destination for the kayak section at the upper lake.

Terrain: Walking trail, stone path, forest track, mountain track – Generally of good quality with possibility of some slippy sections.

Precautions: Trail runners are recommended.

Stage 7: Kayak – 1km
Description: Kayak a triangular route around the spectacular clear waters of Upper Lake on sit on top kayaks.

Terrain: Competitors cannot bring their own kayaks they must use provided sit on top kayaks & paddles. Buoyancy aids must be worn at all times.

Stage 8: Trail Run– 4km
Description: The final race stage is a short 4km run to the finish line at Laragh GAA pitch.

Please note: There are 2 cut out points on this route. The first cut off point is 09.45am at the Glenmalure Lodge crossroads. Failure to reach this point before cut time will result in competitors being redirected onto the Sport route. The second cut off point is 11.00am at Barnaslew transition.