The Inside Track – Quest Achill

Ahead of yet another sold out Quest Achill Adventure Race, I thought I would give you a little preview of this great event. If you’re a first timer, you’re in for an awesome time. You will take on the dramatic mountains, sandy beaches and rugged Wild Atlantic coastline of Achill Island.

There’s an option of three routes on the day, the 18km ‘Mini’, 31km ‘Sport’ and the 63km ‘Expert’.

The 18km ‘Mini’ begins with a 600m kayak along the clear water of Keel Lough, followed by a 5km run across Keel beach. Mini participants will then pick up their bike and the transition area at Keel beach and continue the 12km cycle to the finish line.

For those on the ‘Sport’ route, they will start with a 900m kayak along Keel Lough followed by an 8km trail run starting on Keel beach and taking them along the rugged coastline through the sandy shoreline. Finally, when back in transition after picking up their bikes they aim to cross the finish line after a 22km cycle.

The ‘Expert’ route, totaling in 63km similarly begins with a kayak but at the longer distance of 1.2km along Keel Lough. Followed by a 15km trail run with a gain of 600m, then on to a 45km cycle starting on Keel Beach that will take participants on an amazing journey around the Island on rolling hills and fast downhill sections.

Please note that registration is on both Friday evening and Saturday morning so handy for those who like to travel the morning of an event.

Following last year’s event, Quest are keeping up the new tradition of a fancy dress after party to top off an adventurous weekend. The fancy dress party and prize giving takes place in Gielty’s Bar and Restaurant in the evening (fancy dress is optional but sure you may as well!).

If you can, try to stop every now and then and take in the savage beauty of Achill.

We will be out in force so make sure to pop over and say hello. We would love to hear how you get on! 🙂