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This is a single day adventure duathlon race. Based in a former coal mine you will be running and cycling up to four sections, combining running trail, forest track, hills and an abandoned open cast mine. The cycle sections are on sealed tarmac roads of varying quality, from primary roads to quiet country lanes. With a choice of three different courses there is one for you to pit yourself against.

The 78km Elite and the 56km Sport will incorporate some of the longest drags and the fastest descents in the County. We are fortunate to have the picturesque Discovery Park as the central transition point for each section of the race. In this way you will always loop back to facilities and supporters who will get to spur you on throughout the race without them having to leave the comfort of the Park. The Park has a huge range of activities open for any active family members including a massive Zip-wire, a full restaurant and a craft village!

 

COURSESolo Entry 1st July to Sept 9thEarly Bird Solo Entry til June 30thTeam Entry up til Sept 19th 
Elite 78km€70€63 (10% Saving)€50 per person (max 4)RACE SIGNUP
Sport 56km€60€54 (10% Saving)€45 per person (max 4)RACE SIGNUP
Challenge 30km€45€39.50 (10% Saving)€30 per person (max 3)RACE SIGNUP

Unlike other Adventure Races there is NO BOOKING FEE!

What do I get for my money?
•    An exciting, unique, community based event but professionally presented
•    All the Discovery Park Facilities for you and family/Friends as well as discounts for on-the-day Park activities check out www.discoverypark.ie
•    Free Secure Parking in the Discovery Park (Normally €4 per car)
•    High quality Technical Running Top
•    A generous Coalface Goody Bag with snacks and drinks
•    A Coalface Finishers Medal uniquely designed by visual artist Mick Minogue (@MickMinogueMadeThis)
•    Hot food and drink to refuel when you cross the line
•    Fully marshalled and signed routes
•    Insurance and Accident/Medical Response Team
•    Sports Massage available

This is a Not for Profit Community Event. The Castlecomer Discovery Park is a registered Charity. Any funds raised by The Coalface go directly back into the development of the Park.

 

ELITE COURSE

78KM TOTAL DISTANCE

This route and combination is designed to test the endurance of the fittest athlete and to provide an outstanding achievement to all those who complete the course. The running terrain is unforgiving, from road to gravel to soft trails. The cycle is technical in places, equally hilly with long drags over 5% and wildly fast on the rolling descents along The Ridge Drive. Your bespoke medal will be well earned here.

Breakdown of 78km Elite Course:

Stage 1 Cycle 19km
Stage 2 Trail/Forest Run 10.5km
Stage 3 Cycle 37km
Stage 4 Forest/Quarry/Trail Run 11.5km

 

SPORT COURSE

56KM TOTAL DISTANCE

This has all the thrills and spills of the Expert route and in the same endurance sapping combination. It uses the same routes but distance is cut. Don’t be fooled into thinking this is easy on paper. At 56km it is the longest Sport Course in the Country! A good level of fitness it required and completion will be the name of the game for many, especially if it is wet. Your Coalface T-shirt will hang with pride.

Breakdown of 56km Sport Course:

Stage 1 Cycle 19km
Stage 2 Trail/Forest Run 5km
Stage 3 Cycle 27km
Stage 4 Forest/Quarry/Trail Run 6km

 

CHALLENGE COURSE

30KM TOTAL DISTANCE 

For those who love the outdoors and have always wanted to test themselves against the natural terrain then this is your opportunity! With a medium level of training (see The CoalFace Training Blog) you could conquer a real challenge across this course that will see you running trails and woodland, cycling a route of rolling north Kilkenny Countryside before finishing with a trail and woodland path run to the finish. Tackle this as a team or solo, have plenty of friends/family enjoy the experience too as all your transitions are in the comforts of the Discovery Park.  Wear your medal with pride as you enjoy the post race refreshments!

Breakdown of 30km Challenge (Solo or Team):

Stage 1 Trail/Forest Run 5km
Stage 2 Cycle 21km
Stage 3 Woodland Pathway/Trail Run 4km