An updated new course, Pallas Lake & Slieve Bloom. All this and more with the ‘Off The Bloom Adventure Race’ back for a second serving. We spoke to Race Co Director Jonathan O’Meara about what to expect, what has changed since last year and what it means to the local community.

All roads lead to Kinnitty, Co Offaly this August 18th for the second Off the Bloom Adventure Race. Following on from the success ofthe 2017 race, organizers of the race have listened to the feedback from last years competitors and have added a number of changes to this years race that is set to take place on Saturday 18th of August.

Speaking to the Kayathon Magazine, Race organiser Jonathan O’Meara said he is really looking forward to Race Day. “ The entire Off the Bloom Adventure Team is really looking forward to Race Day. There are a number of changes to this year’s race, most notably the run section of the elite route and a change of location to the start and the finish of the race.”

“This year’s race will start and finish directly in the middle of the village, so we are expecting a carnival atmosphere in the village on the day of the race. The entire village is ready to welcome adventure racers and their families to Kinnitty and the centre of the village is the perfect location for all the travelling supporters who want to cheer on their loved ones. We feel this is really going to enhance the overall experience of event. The second change to race is the run section of the elite course, we received brilliant feedback on last years race but some of the more seasoned Adventure athletes felt that the run section needed more rugged terrain. Co race director Derek Middleton and myself looked at a number of options over the winter months and we feel this years 12km run section is going to test each and every competitor who have opted for the Elite course.”

“It’s a brilliant route that will take competitors right up to the top of the Slieve Bloom Mountains, anyone who gets to the top of the mountain will be treated to one of the best views in county Offaly. We also introduced a bespoke Off the Bloom diamond shaped finishers medal to the goodie bag, so in terms of value for money our race is definitely one of the best in the country” added Jonathan.