Kayathlon

Quest - Glendalough
2020-04-04 08:00 - 17:00 (Europe/Dublin) | Glendalough, Wicklow, Leinster, Ireland
Race Postponed.

WHAT IS QUEST GLENDALOUGH?

This epic adventure involves racers running and cycling through the Wicklow Mountains National Park and Glendalough Valley as well as kayaking across the spectacular Upper Lake and finishing the race in the shadows of the monastic round tower which epitomizes the Glendalough area.
Three challenging routes: 59k Expert, 43km Sport and 21k Challenge.

21KM CHALLENGE ROUTE INFORMATION
The race consists of the following 4 stages:

Stage 1: Cycle – 12km
Description: Starting after a mass start from the Laragh GAA grounds you will cycle out towards Clarabeg and take a right at Turners crossroads.
You descend right into the valley and after passing the picturesque Claravale Church and bridge you ascend the testing 300m long climb to join the main R755 to take you back to Laragh GAA transition area
Terrain: Sealed road, varying in quality from good to fair with possibility of some gravel and potholes.
Stage 2: Trail Run – 4km
Description: Competitors will rack their bikes at the Laragh GAA transition. From here you head out the “Green Road” walking track towards the Upper Lake pass close to the world famous Glendalough round tower and monastic heritage site.
Terrain: Walking trail, stone path, forest track generally of good quality but possibility of some slippy sections
Precautions: Trail runners are recommended but not essential.

Stage 3: 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 4: Trail Run – 4km
Description: The final race stage is a short 4km run to the finish line at Laragh GAA pitch.
All competitors will be given their customized medal on crossing the finish line.
43KM SPORT ROUTE INFORMATION
The race consists of the following 6 stages:

Stage 1: Cycle – 6km Description: Starting after a rolling 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 car park.
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 – 20km
Description: Back on your bike head you descend into the valley and turn left at the Glenmalure Lodge (Film location for “The Stag” movie) pub heading towards Greenan where you turn left and go up 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 4: 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 5: 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 6: Trail – 4km
Description: The final race stage is a short 4km run to the finish line at Laragh GAA pitch.
All competitors will be given their customized medal on crossing the finish line.

59K EXPERT ROUTE INFORMATION
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.

*Please note €5.50 online booking registration fee applies to each event. In addition a €2 National Park fee is charged for the upkeep and maintenance of the Wicklow Mountains National Park.
Registration fees include:
– Customised finishers medal
– Customised event tech t-shirt
– The famous Japanese hot tubs at the finish line
– Prizes in all categories
– Massage at finish line
– Free after party and food voucher.
– Kayak rental
– A great atmosphere and a fun day out
– Fully marshaled course
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.
All competitors must collect their race pack in one of the following locations:
–Friday evening TBC
-Saturday morning TBC
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
After the race
Finish line
The race will finish in Laragh where the race started. There will be massage facilities, hot tubs and hot food for all participants.
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 prize giving
The official after party, prize giving will take place at the finish line in Laragh.
Car parking
You will be directed towards the dedicated event carpark at Laragh GAA and soccer pitches by marshals and Gardaí. Please note that there is no parking at Glendalough visitor centre, the Upper Lake carpark and the Glendalough Hotel area. We encourage you to car pool.
Prizes
57km Expert
Overall male & female 1st, 2nd, 3rd
Over 40s 1’s male & female 1st
Over 50s 1’s male & female 1st
41km sport
Overall male & female 1st, 2nd, 3rd
Over 40s 1’s male & female 1st
Over 50s 1’s male & female 1st
19km Mini
Overall male & female 1st

Prize sponsors:
Winners in all categories will receive outdoor products and vouchers from our sponsors.
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.

Race Rules & 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 our 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 the closest race marshall
Competitor’s must enter the Elite wave or the first 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 & Policies
Glendalough is one of the most spectacular 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 a environmentally sustainable sport.
We are extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to hold the race in the national park and we are sure it will be one of the elements of the event you will remember.
We aim to minimize 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.
Respect the environment.

FAQ's
How do I register for the Race?
You can registration for the race online. There are limited places available. Register early to guarantee your place.
What does the registration fee include:
– Customised finishers medal
– Customised event tech 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 marshaled course
Can I register my bike on Saturday morning before the race?
Yes. All participants must bring their bikes to start line on Saturday morning. Your bike does not need to be racked the night before for Quest Glendalough.
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, running shoes, mandatory kit) you do not need any specialist equipment. We will provide you with a kayak, paddle and buoyancy aid.
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 and will be refill only. You will be required to bring water with you for the duration of the race.
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 is 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 Glendalough if I have any more questions?
Feel free to contact us with any questions by emailing info@eliteevents.ie or call the Quest Team on 087 6024621
Can I listen to my iPod/music 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.
