The Cavan Kayakarun
August 12, 2017 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
| Eur35| WHAT | Multi-sport adventure race through the spectacular rolling Drumlin hills in County Cavan, Ireland. The event includes running/walking on mainly country roads, kayaking either on a sit-on-top or sit-in kayak (kayaks supplied or bring your own) and cycling on tarmac suitable for any type of bike. |
| WHERE | Gallonray House, Maudabawn, Cootehill, Co. Cavan.GPS co-ordinates: N 54° 01 8395 W 007° 01 3362 |
| WHEN | Saturday 12th August 2017 |
| WHY | Excellent organisation, warm local welcome, fantastic location and a great value for money event for all. Brilliant after event party, prize giving & family fun day . |
The Cavan Kayakarun will feature the following events:
- The Cavan Kayakarun Challenge:
- Open Male/Female
- Veteran (Over 40’s) Male/Female
- Masters (Over 50’s) Male/Female
- Relay Any combination
- The Cavan Kayakarun Challenge XL:
- Open Male/Female
- Open Relay Any combination
- Veteran (Over 40’s) Male/Female
- Masters (Over 50’s) Male/Female
- The Cavan Kayakarun Junior Challenge
- 12-14yrs Male/Female/Team
- 14-16yrs Male/Female/Team
- 16-18yrs Male/Female/Team
ENTRIES for this years Cavan Kayakarun are now open! CKR 2017 Registration
The Origins of the Cavan Kayakarun In May 2010 a group of friends were having a pint in Gallonray House, Maudabawn. There was a lot of talk about the recession and a general atmosphere of doom and gloom. The lads and lassies put their heads together and decided they would create a Fun Adventure Race event for the silly season, to give people in the local community a lift and an active focus for the summer. Everyone had an interest in sport, more friends were contacted and The Cavan Kayakarun was born. It was initially meant to be for the local group of friends. However, it was decided to advertise and the newly dubbed Adventure Race had 250 people of all ages from 16 to 80 take part in 2010. 350 participated in 2011 and over 400 enjoyed the event on a sunny Saturday in 2012. The Cavan Kayakarun Adventure Race aims to get people of all ages and levels of fitness involved in sporting outdoor activity .We want you to remember it as all about fun, participation, achieving your goal of finishing the circuit and enjoying the elation and delight of crossing the finish line, at the end. We aim to provide a safe friendly environment, where all the family can enjoy the day and excellent local amenities will be utilised. We aim to hold a community run event in which every participant is a winner.
The event is accessible to all able bodied participants and the emphasis is on FUN and PARTICIPATION.
Safety Please Note: It is recommended that you get some experience paddling a sit-in kayak prior to the race, have running experience of a minimum of 5k on the roads and have road biking experience on a road worthy bike, wearing a helmet.. Kayaking will take place in Lough Barnagrove where the Monaghan Sub Aqua team will be present on the day. A water safety team will be in place using kayaks and safety boats.
The Cavan Kayakarun Challenge XL
This event will start at 1:00 pm. This is a hilly 5 km run with the infamous Peppers Bray signalling a long downhill to the lake and Transition 1.
- There may have to be two waves (depending on number of entries).
- Timing chip must be attached to your ankleand returned to the Finish Marshal, when you cross the line at the Gantry.
- Race number must be displayed at all times on your chest.
- Attach the sticky race numbers to your bike (under the saddle) and front of the helmet. Also the sticky numbers provided, must be placed on the drop bags for ID upon bag collection.
- The run stage consists of a hilly 5km run to Transition 1 at Barnagrow lake.
- You must wear and secure your life jacket (provided) before getting into/onto your Kayak.
- The Kayak course is 2km a long loop. When you return from the kayak section you will be assisted out before you set off on a 5k crosscountry/trail run back to Gallonray house across the beautiful drumlins of Cavan with panoramic views of surronding lakes and the rolling hills of Monaghan in the distance. On your arrival at Gallonray House you start the final leg of your challenge the 52k bike section . You will be assisted out of your kayak & life jacket and then you must run a 5km cross-country course to Transition 2 at Gallonray House. You will have a choice of sit-on or sit-in kayaks.
- You must put on your helmet prior to un-racking your bike. You will not be allowed to leave Transition 2 unless your race number matches your bike number.
- The bike course is 52 km long. This is a challenging course with a number of steep climbs. This follows the same course as the The Cavan Kayakarun Challenge for the first 10 kms and turns left off the main road where the climbing begins. This climb brings you to Mountain Lodge. And from there to Grousehall. The course turns left for a fast run back to Bailieborough. Before reaching Bailieborough veer left for Canningstown which eventually brings you back to the original The Cavan Kayakarun Challenge at Canningstown. Continue straight on to Maudabawn turning right for the Co-Op and back to Gallonray (Start/Finish).
The Cavan Kayakarun Challenge is the same route as last year’s run.
This event will commence at approximately 1:40 pm.
It is a hilly 5km run with the infamous Peppers Bray signalling a long downhill to the lake and Transition 1.
- The Kayak course is 1km, a long loop of Barnagrow Lake returning to Transition 1. You will be assisted out of your kayak and life jacket and must run a further 400m to Transition 2. You will have a choice of sit on or sit in kayaks. It is recommended that you get some experience paddling a sit in kayak prior to the race.
- You must put on your helmet prior to un-racking your bike.
- You will not be allowed to leave Transition 2 unless your race number matches your bike number.
- The Cavan Kayakarun ChallengeBike section is 15Kms long. This route takes you on to the Shercock-Canningstown road going towards Canningstown. At Canningstown turn right for Cootehill and follow the rolling Drumlins to Maudabawn turning right for the Co-Op and back to Gallonray (Start/Finish).
The Cavan Kayakarun Jr Challenge
The Junior Kayakarun races begin at Barnagrove Lake. The junior event is open to males, females and relay teams. Categories are as follows 12-14yrs, 14-16yrs and 16-18yrs. All three categories will begin with a 600metre kayak at Barnagrow, followed by a 2.5k run, which is the reverse run of the senior events, from Barnagrow lake back to Gallonray House. This is followed by a 12.5k cycle. The cycle transition is at Gallonray House where participants pick up their bikes, cylce past the Maudabawn Creamery, straight through the next juntion , turn right onto the Bailieborough -Cootehill Road, heading for Cootehill. Participants cycle as far as the Middle Chapel juntion and turn around a cone here, to follow the route back to the Dernakesh National School junction. Here they will turn left, and left again at the next junction, past the Creamery again and back to Gallonray. The start time is 12 mid-day sharp before the main adult events.
Relays
- All relay participants taking part in the run section of their race will be run in the second wave in the XL and in the first wave of the Challenge and Junior events.
- Senior relay members who are kayaking and cycling will be taken by mini-bus down to the lake and bike transition, immediately after the briefing.
- Out-going relay members must remain in the Team Coral Transition area until they have received their timing chip from their incoming team member.
Changing Facilities and Showers are available on site, after your race.
Prize Giving: On the day of event in Gallonray House, Maudabawn, Cootehill, Co. Cavan.
Food Fun and Entertainment will be provided, into the wee small hours at at Gallonray House in Maudabawn.
FAQ
What is the Cavan Kayakarun?
The Cavan Kayakrun is a multi sport adventure race including running/walking on maily country roads, kayaking (sit-in or sit-on & supplied or bring your own) and cycling on tarmac suitable for any type of bike. It is achieveable to all able bodied participants and the emphasis is on FUN and PARTICIPATION 
It includes The Cavan Kayakarun Challenge and The Cavan Kayakarun Challenge XL and Junior Kayakarun.
How did the Cavan Kayakarun begin?
In May 2010 a group of friends were having a pint in Gallonray house Maudabawn. There was a lot of talk about the recession and a general atmosphere doom and gloom. The lads and lassies put their heads together and decided they would create a Fun event for the silly season, to give people in the local community a lift and an active focus for the summer. Everyone had an interest in sport, more friends were contacted and The Cavan Kayakarun was born. It was initially meant to be for the local group of friends. However, it was decided to advertise and the newly dubbed Adventure Race had 250 people of all ages from 16 to 80 take part in 2010. 350 participated in 2011 and over 400 enjoyed the event on a sunny Saturday in 2012.
What are the aims of the Cavan kayakarun?
The Cavan Kayakarun aims to get people of all ages and levels of fitness involved in sporting outdoor activity .We want you to remember it as all about fun, participation, achieving your goal of finishing the circuit and enjoying the elation and delight of crossing the finish line, at the end. We aim to provide a safe friendly environment, where all the family can enjoy the day and excellent local amenities will be utilised. We aim to hold a community run event in which every participant is a winner.
What are the race categories for the Cavan Kayakrun?
There are male and female categories. A breakdown as follows:
The Cavan Kayakarun Challenge | |
| Junior 12-14 yrs 14-16 yrs 16-18 yrs | Male/Female/Team |
| Open | Male/Female |
| Veteran (Over 40) | Male/Female |
| Masters (Over 50) | Male/Female |
| Relay | Any combination |
The Cavan Kayakarun Challenge XL | |
| Open | Male/Female |
| Open Relay | Any combination |
Competition Map links:
What specifically does the race involve?
The race starts at Gallonray House, Cootehill with a 5Km run for everyone. This is followed by a 1Km Kayak in the Cavan kayakarun Challenge and 2k in the Cavan Kayakarun Challenge XL in Lough Barnagrove (Monaghan Sub Aqua team are present on the day at the lake and a water safety team in kayaks and boats). Life jackets and helmets are provided and are mandatory. We will provide sit-in and sit-on Kayaks for the event but participants are welcome to bring their own Kayak if they wish.
Athletes in the CKR Challenge will exit the Kayaks and run a short distance to the Bike Transition. Here they pick up their bike and complete the race with a 15km cycle.
Athletes in the CKR Challenge XL will complete the new 5K cross country run back to the XL transition at Gallonray House where they will then complete the 52km cycle to finish.
What is the cost of the entry?
- €35 for The Cavan Kayakarun Challenge
- €60 for The Cavan Kayakarun Challenge Team
- €50 for The Cavan Kayakarun Challenge XL
- €75 for The Cavan Kayakarun Challenge XL Team
Entry fees are non-transferrable and non-refundable
The entry cost is inclusive all commissions and any other associated costs.
What prizes are available?
Each participant will receive a quality medal and ribbon.
Each category winner will receive a valuable voucher and a winners medal plus free entry into next year’s event.
What type of terrain is the event held in?
County Cavan is described as the ‘County of Drumlins’ and this event truly will live up to this description. During the run you will encounter ‘Pepper’s Brae’, I have heard people following the event refer to it as tough however it is a huge sense of achievement crossing peppers and seeing the site of the lake and kayaks below as you head to transition 1. This is a testing course but for the fun runners the distance is not excessive as the distance is 5 km The run is on tarmac.
The Kayak stage takes place in a natural lake and circulates a small crannog where ancient settlers once lived. The average time for the Kayak section is 10 – 15 minutes for the 1k distance.
The cycle section is 15Km for The Cavan Kayakarun Challenge and is a reasonably pleasant cycle on tarmac and is well marshalled. Those who enter The Cavan Kayakarun Challenge XL will undertake a 52 km cycle on a more testing circuit, where the cyclists will travel up and through one of the largest wind-farms in Ireland and will experience some of the finest scenery in the county – but you may not have a lot of time to take it all in! The surface is smooth tarmac.The roads used are reasonably quiet and free from large volumes of traffic.
Can anyone take part?
The answer is yes. The event is all about fun and taking part. We have a longer more challenging course The Cavan Kayakarun Challenge XL for those who want to test themselves even more. The event has two separate cycle and kayak routes tailored to suit all levels of fitness with the XL route taking place over a longer more difficult course. The Cavan Kayakarun Challenge is a fun event for all the Family.
Is it a safe event?
Considerable planning into the safety of the event is paramount. The event routes are carefully selected and marshalled. These Marshalls are trained and well briefed on their responsibilities but it is of utmost importance to the athlete to understand that the road sections of the event are open to the public and the rules of the road should be strictly adhered to.
Monaghan Sub aqua unit will be in attendance on the lake along with safety personnel in Kayaks and boats
There is a briefing session prior to the race at Gallonray House .
Can you tell me where the race starts from?
The Challenge and XL races start and finish for all adults from Gallonray House, Maudabawn Cootehill ,County Cavan. Please find the cordinates on the home page. Note: shower and dining facilities available.
The Junior Kayakarun starts at Lough Barnagrove at 12:00 mid-day prior to the adult’s event start time. Juniors should first call to Gallonray House to register for the event prior to the event start.
What are the check in / registration times?
Registration takes place on Friday night the 5th August the night before the race between 7 – 9pm in Gallonray House Maudabawn and on Saturday morning 6th august (race day) between 10am-11.30 am also in Gallonray House. It is very important that registration takes place during these times as there will be no opportunity to check in after this. Bikes should be placed at the transition 2 point, after you have registered and picked up your race number. Return and park at Gallonray House starting point. This should take approx. 20 mins in total.
Where and when is the race party?
The official Cavan Kayakrun race party takes place the evening of the event in Gallonray house,this is now established as one of the biggest nights of the year in Gallonray with top live bands into the early hours. Live music, hot food buffet and entertainment are available for participants and spectators alike. This is a great night’s fun with great stories of heroics and new friends to be made. Remember there is ample accommodation in the local area for anyone wishing to stay over on either night of the weekend. Please have a look at the accommodations section for further details. Taxi service will be available.
What time is the prize giving?
Directly after the conclusion of the race and the junior race, prices will be given out at the conclusion of their race.
Can I take part in the event and raise money for charity?
Yes, we have no problem in you raising money for needy causes or your chosen charity. We do advise however that you collect for a registered charity and that you will have the correct permits and are covered by legislation with respect to fundraising when using the Cavan Kayakrun Brand.
Is there any merchandise available to purchase?
Yes: Quality running t-shirts will also be available with the Cavan Kayakarun logo – cost €15.
Where do I see the map information?
Map information is on the website and a copy will be also available on registration.
Have you more information on the Kayaks and can I bring my own?
You may bring your own kayak or you may use one of the kayaks provided by the organisers.There will be sit-on and sit-in single Kayaks provided.
Do I need to have previous experience in Kayaking?
The event organisers have sit-in and sit -on single kayaks. These are designed for novice kayakers.
We would advise you to avail of a kayaking lesson before the event, it is possible to complete the kayaking course without any previous experience however you will enjoy the event much more with proper preparation.
Check out our links section on our website and kayaking training centres contact details are there.You can avail of one of the training sessions that will be taking place on Barnagrow lake in the weeks prior to the event. Please keep an eye on the website training section for further details.
Is there a mandatory kit list?
Yes, it is important to appreciate that life jackets are compulsory in the kayak, helmets are compulsory in the cycling and all standard athletic footwear is advisable. A pair of gloves would be of benefit but not essential.
Life jackets are provided for the kayaking however if you bring your own kayak you must bring your own life jacket.
Where will I store my extra clothing?
There will be a designated area for storage of clothing / personal gear at the transition area and at the start/finish we will transport your gear from the transition back to the start/ finish and a procedure will be put in place where all property will be clearly bagged and tagged.
Can you give me a breakdown of the distances of the event?
Cavan Kayakarun Challenge : Start with a 5km run to the lake, 1km kayak circuit then 400m dash to bike transition, 15km cycle.
Cavan Kayakarun Challenge XL : Start with a 5km run to the lake, 2km kayal circuit , then a 5km cross-country run to the bike transition area for XL at Gallonray House followed by a 52km cycle to finish.
Other points of information
- It is advisable to arrive early on race day to familiarise yourself with the course and the transition area
- On your arrival, you will be free to discuss the event with any of the organising committee who will be wearing green branded t-shirts and hi-vis gear.
- Complimentary light refreshments are available after the event.
- Shower facilities are available on site at the start/finish in Gallonray house.
- Hot food is available for purchase – salads, curry, lasagne,teas coffees etc
- Live music that evening and a real party atmosphere
- The event is taking place on open roads – so safety first!
- Book early to avoid disappointment as we expect over 500 participants this year!
- This is a non-profit event run by our community for you our visitors
- Event contact details: Michael 087 9294263