SPRINT DISTANCE ADVENTURE RACE IN A STUNNING LOCATION Looking to test your training or even cross the line for the first time in an adventure race? This is the ideal event for you. Sprint distance means you have nothing to fear yet you will still be tested. STAND-ALONE SPRINT RACE Unique event with only one [...]
ICONIC ADVENTURE RACE THROUGH BREATHTAKING SCENERY TRAIL AND MOUNTAIN RUNNING OR WALKING; CYCLING AND KAYAKING Always varied, never boring - the terrain includes mountain scree, bog land, trails, sealed roads and the majestic waters of Killary Fjord. CONNEMARA, KILLARY FJORD, MAUMTURK MTN So many highlights along the way on a route designed to challenge, delight [...]
*Rescheduled to July 24th SPRINT DISTANCE ADVENTURE RACE IN A STUNNING LOCATION Looking to test your training or even cross the line for the first time in an adventure race? This is the ideal event for you. Sprint distance means you have nothing to fear yet you will still be tested. STAND-ALONE SPRINT RACE Unique [...]
*Rescheduled to September 11th with new routes ICONIC ADVENTURE RACE THROUGH BREATHTAKING SCENERY TRAIL AND MOUNTAIN RUNNING OR WALKING; CYCLING AND KAYAKING Always varied, never boring - the terrain includes mountain scree, bog land, trails, sealed roads and the majestic waters of Killary Fjord. CONNEMARA, KILLARY FJORD, MAUMTURK MTN So many highlights along the way [...]
Rescheduled to 18 July '20 SPRINT DISTANCE ADVENTURE RACE IN A STUNNING LOCATION Looking to test your training or even cross the line for the first time in an adventure race? This is the ideal event for you. Sprint distance means you have nothing to fear yet you will still be tested. STAND-ALONE SPRINT RACE [...]
Rescheduled to 05 September '20. ICONIC ADVENTURE RACE THROUGH BREATHTAKING SCENERY The route takes you from Glassilaun beach in Co. Galway to the heritage town of Westport, Co Mayo. TRAIL AND MOUNTAIN RUNNING OR WALKING; CYCLING AND KAYAKING Always varied, never boring - the terrain includes mountain scree, bog land, trails, sealed roads and the [...]
We’ve just had an epic day of racing at the Dingle Adventure Race 2 weeks ago but there’s no rest for the competitors in the Expert Category of the Continental National Adventure Race series as this weekend sees the return of Gaelforce West to the series. The weather gods look to be smiling and it should [...]
The conversation usually goes like this, being asked for the millionth time..... Everybody: “Oh you do triathlons?” Me: “No, I can’t swim....I do adventure races (cue puzzled looks)...running, cycling and kayaking, it’s off-road stuff, usually a mountain involved....” Everybody: “Oh like Gaelforce!!” Me: “Yes....they’re the ones”... So 2019 sees the welcome return of Gaelforce [...]
The event calendar shifts into overdrive this May with 8 races to tickle the fancy. On the Bank holiday weekend alone, there are 4. Gaelforce Connemara, TEAR 12/24, Avantcard Blueway AR & the ever popular Blackstairs AR. Killary Gaelforce Connemara returns for its 10th year. 10 years. It says it all about this legendary day that [...]
It's competition time again. Kayathlon have teamed up with Killary Gaelforce to give away 2 entries to the award winning Gaelforce Dublin on March 23rd. We want to celebrate you, your adventures and 2018 in all its glory. So to enter, simply go to our Facebook page, post a picture of your favorite race memory from [...]
SPRINT DISTANCE ADVENTURE RACE IN A STUNNING LOCATION Looking to test your training or even cross the line for the first time in an adventure race? This is the ideal event for you. Sprint distance means you have nothing to fear yet you will still be tested. STAND-ALONE SPRINT RACE Unique event with only one distance [...]
THERE IS NOWHERE QUITE LIKE THE HILLS OF DONEGAL 62KM FULL & 43KM SPRINTCOURSES IN A LANDSCAPE MADE FOR ADVENTURE Expect rain and wind, sunshine and waves, expect the elements and rise to your challenge at Gaelforce North 2019. TRAIL AND MOUNTAIN RUNNING OR WALKING, CYCLING AND KAYAKING The route takes you from the jagged peaks [...]
SUMMER 2019 STARTS ON JUNE 22nd ICONIC ADVENTURE RACE THROUGH BREATHTAKING SCENERY The route takes you from Glassilaun beach in Co. Galway to the heritage town of Westport, Co Mayo. TRAIL AND MOUNTAIN RUNNING OR WALKING; CYCLING AND KAYAKING Always varied, never boring - the terrain includes mountain scree, bogland, trails, sealed roads and the majestic [...]
Full event details to be confirmed... There are four different categories you can enter, to suit all levels. Individual All individuals must complete all four disciplines. Run, Bike, Hike, Kayak (55.5k approx) Duathlon Must complete two disciplines; Run and Bike. (52.5k approx) Duathon Team, Person 1; Run, Person 2; Bike (52.5k approx) Teams (4) Teams are made up of four people, with each person completing [...]
Killary Gaelforce are back with yet another no holds barred race in the stunning wilds of Donegal. Donegal has begun to challenge Kerry’s crown as the Adventure Racing capital of Ireland with new races popping up and established races growing in popularity. On 22nd September, the formidable Gaelforce returns to North West Donegal to [...]
Urban meets rural in Spring 2019 as Gaelforce brings an adventure race to Dublin. Based in the foothills of the Dublin mountains, 20 minutes from the city center, you will be able to enjoy the beauty of our capital with amazing views from Kippure mountain. There are 2 courses to choose from, depending on your fitness [...]
Gaelforce West Ultra is a brand new event in the adventure racing calendar and hopefully it is here to stay!!! Those good folks at Gaelforce don’t mess around, this was never going to be a walk in the park and with an expected finish rate of less than 50%, those brave enough to take it [...]
It was 6am. Dave Gowan & I sat on the transfer bus, waiting for it to fill up before we were to head off to the rendez-vous point. We were decked out in the brand new team kit but something wasn't right. I was having problems with my socks. When I looked down I was [...]
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 [...]
Fresh from her heroics at Gaelforce Dublin, we caught up with top ladies podium placer in the Expert route, Aine Mahony. She kindly agreed to go under the Spotlight. What is your name? Aine Mahony Where are you from? Cullahill, Co.Laois How old are you? 30 Occupation? Physiotherapist in the Mater University Hospital, Dublin What got you into Adventure [...]
You may be forgiven for thinking that Dublin is flat...The hills in Gaelforce Dublin are less forgiving. One thing about Killary Gaelforce, you can be sure anything they put their name against, will really test you. Gaelforce Dublin is no different. A race that put you through your paces with particular emphasis on the cycling [...]
You may be forgiven for thinking that Dublin is flat...The hills in Gaelforce Dublin are less forgiving. One thing about Killary Gaelforce, you can be sure anything they put their name against, will really test you. Gaelforce Dublin is no different. A race that put you through your paces with particular emphasis on the cycling [...]
With Gaelforce Dublin less than 2 weeks away (Sat 17th Feb), we spoke to seasoned adventure racer, Barry Dempsey, as he reflects on his race (49k route) last year... As a regular recreational Adventurer Racer when Gaelforce announced a new event in Dublin in February, i thought yes an event i can go to and [...]
THERE IS NOWHERE QUITE LIKE THE HILLS OF DONEGAL 62KM FULL & 43KM SPRINTCOURSES IN A LANDSCAPE MADE FOR ADVENTURE Expect rain and wind, sunshine and waves, expect the elements and rise to your challenge at Gaelforce North 2018. TRAIL AND MOUNTAIN RUNNING OR WALKING, CYCLING AND KAYAKING The route takes you from the jagged peaks [...]
SPRINT DISTANCE ADVENTURE RACE IN A STUNNING LOCATION Looking to test your training or even cross the line for the first time in an adventure race? This is the ideal event for you. Sprint distance means you have nothing to fear yet you will still be tested. STAND-ALONE SPRINT RACE Unique event with only one distance [...]
On the 18th of August this year, Offaly will host it's only multi-sport adventure race. Set in the picturesque village of Kinnitty at the foothills of the Slieve Bloom Mountains, Kinnitty will provide the backdrop to the start and finish of the Off The Bloom Adventure Race. Over the course of the race, competitors will take [...]
FIRST THERE WAS GAELFORCE WEST AND IT WAS THE ULTIMATE CHALLENGE. NOW THERE IS GAELFORCE WEST ULTRA. THERE IS A NEW ULTIMATE. MOUNTAIN RUNNING AND CYCLING 154KM Mountain running and cycling through the toughest routes in Connemara and Mayo over a distance of 154km, this is an endurance challenge that may break you and rebuild you [...]
All roads head west this weekend for Sea 2 Summit, the final event of the Adventure Racing calendar for 2017!!! Sea2Summit has 2 routes, the longer Supreme route and the shorter Spirit route. Both routes are fast and for the most part on sealed road (except for the Croagh Patrick section). The first and last [...]
With Cork suffering the worst of the effects from hurricane Ophelia, there was a big doubt over SCAR actually going ahead this year. An email from the organisers after the storm indicated that roads were blocked, 50+ trees down and a real danger that, if held on the original date, more trees or debris from [...]
Earlier this week I bumped into a jubilant podium placer in the Ladies Expert Race in Quest Killarney, Ann Horan. She had just come in third in the longest of the courses. Previous to that, we briefly met after Quest Achill where Ann placed fourth. She seemed in extra high spirits this time around and as [...]
NEW DATE SAME INSPIRATIONAL CHALLENGE SUMMER 2018 STARTS ON JUNE 23rd ICONIC ADVENTURE RACE THROUGH BREATHTAKING SCENERY The route takes you from Glassilaun beach in Co. Galway to the heritage town of Westport, Co Mayo. TRAIL AND MOUNTAIN RUNNING OR WALKING; CYCLING AND KAYAKING Always varied, never boring - the terrain includes mountain scree, bogland, trails, [...]
Date set but details to follow soon. Make sure to follow our Facebook Page to get the race information as it is released!
The likelihood is that you have come across our next Competitor to go under the Spotlight. And the likelihood is that he will have had his camera out making the most of the awesome scenery. But don't mistake him for a photographer, this year he completed his 7th GaelForce West. He doesn't do things by [...]
This weeks Competitor Spotlight is about a man who has an awesome job. Part of this job is getting people in tip top shape for Adventure Racing. He is regularly seen bringing hordes of adventures to races. He is good at his job. He is not bad at racing either ;) I give you Bernard [...]
This weeks Competitor Spotlight is a little different than our usual spotlight. Paul Kelly, a relative newcomer to the Adventure Racing scene, took up running only 4 years and has come a long way since those first faithful steps. The work he is doing simply cannot go unnoticed. It's a subject that sadly is coming [...]
Off The Bloom Adventure Race – Sport Course A last minute opportunity to take part in the Off The Bloom adventure race popped up on Friday evening and I jumped at it, and was I glad I did...it’s a cracking event which is sure to only grow and grow. I packed up the car Saturday [...]
Our man Padraig O'Connor flew the Irish Flag on the RedBull 400 Challenge... And here is how it went down or Up in this case!!! I stood in the starting area, 75 other competitors beside me of every age and nationality…and all looking a lot fitter then me and like they knew what they were doing, [...]
Competitor Spotlight - Week 15 - Owen Fletcher. A couple of weeks back, we held a draw for 2 pairs of Columbia Montrails runners and one of winners pretty much photo-documented himself trialing them out. Some of the imagery was stunning & some was quite funny. Part of the prize was a free entry to [...]
Last weekend, at Moxie, I took the plunge in the world of the expert distance races with the big hitters of adventure racing. Well it's safe to say I wont be jostling for podium positions there. This route was called the Moxie Pro (53km route) and it lived up to the billing... Moxie noun [...]
Urban meets rural in Spring 2018 as Gaelforce brings an adventure race to Dublin. Based in the foothills of the Dublin mountains, 20 minutes from the city center, you will be able to enjoy the beauty of our capital with amazing views from Kippure mountain. There are 2 courses to choose from, depending on your fitness [...]
With days to go, the nerves are beginning to tingle and the planning has started. Bike checks, weather checks, water and carb loading...Check out this handy guide... Usually we would get the event organizers to do a quick preview but this time we got a past competitor and friend of Kayathlon.ie, Margaret Erwin if she could break the "sport" [...]
Competitor Spotlight - Week 14. It has been a while but the competitor spotlight is back and we have a few beauties lined up. First up, is a man from Carlow who saw the craic his mates were having Adventure racing and said he would have some of that...and has looked back since. I give [...]
Alas the iconic Gaelforce West is almost upon us. For some, this is one of the first adventure races they have taken part in. Certainly one of the most demanding. A course that pulls no punches. Measured at an impressive 67km, which takes in, amongst other things, a scramble up Croagh Patrick, many consider this not a race [...]
Over the weekend Kayathlon.ie reached a few milestones. We made it to 6 months and our Facebook following reached 1,111. I would like to use this opportunity to thank each and everyone of you for your support and following. You have been immense. You guys make it all worth while. We have made great friends [...]
Adventure races, are designed to push you beyond your comfort zone. And that's not just your physical comfort zone. Also your geographical comfort zone. For most one of the best parts of racing is the road trip. You get to go to the most remote & beautiful parts of the country. For some, it's a [...]
Competitor Spotlight - Week 11. Ever wondered what it takes to dine at the top table of Adventure Racing. To be regularly spotted in podium position photo. Well Barry Cronin, has taken the time out of his hectic schedule to let us know what he does in order to "Deliver the goods" each time (cryptic). [...]
Competitor Spotlight - Week 10. This weeks spotlight moves to the Mourne county...Co. Down. Lucy Pye. Now a regular on the Adventure Race circuit, Lucy is a self confessed outdoorsy nut, some one who just cant sit still. A perfect recipe for multi-sport racing...And lets just say the rest is history :) How old are you? [...]
Doing your race home work could be the making and breaking of you! Especially if its your first time competing in that race. Let me elaborate on that. Adventure/multi-sport races are about endurance. Spreading your energy levels out. So not knowing what is around the corner could be the undoing of you. I have seen first [...]
Competitor Spotlight - Week 9. This weeks spotlights moves to the rebel county...Cork. Mark Young, who is clocking up events nicely, goes under the light next... Enjoy :) What is your name? Mark Young How old are you? 37 Where are you from? Near Bandon in West Cork What got you into Adventure/Multi-sport racing? What [...]
Listen to Our Podcast With Endurance FM Since the site was launched back in early January, I have been shining a spotlight on competitors (of all levels/standards) and it has been a great success. But in doing so, I have been asked each and every time when will I put myself under the spotlight. So [...]
Did Half-Marathon Mick become a true Half-Marathon veteran last weekend? Yes I did! After three months of gruelling training, 60 sweat-filled kilometers worth of races, and enough preand-post-race fry-ups, Weetabix, bananas, soups and sandwiches to fill the hungry belly of a sumo wrestler, I finally tore across the line and snatched up the all-important Half-Marathon [...]
Competitor Spotlight - Week 7. Our next competitor to go under the spotlight is our first lady to do so. Margaret "Mags" Erwin. She is an all action, straight talking, self professed chatterbox with a zest for life! Enjoy :) What is your name? Margaret Erwin..(Mags) You should never ask a lady her age…but if [...]
With The Blackstairs Adventure Race, Clare Island Adventure Race & Gaelforce Connemara Adventure Challenge fast approaching, it's important you will not be left wanting at the starting line. Check out these 20 tips to help you make the most of your day! 1. Gear Up If you are a [...]
Competitor Spotlight - Week 6. Our next competitor to go under the spotlight approached me at Quest Glendalough last Saturday out of the hustle and bustle of excited racers doing last minute checks, warm ups and carb intakes. From answering race query online earlier in the week, Padraig spotted my branded kayathlon.ie base layer top and came [...]
Getting on-board This is the first in a series of blogs to help build your confidence and skills around the one bit of the race you probably haven’t trained for! That’s OK though I am sure you have been kayaking before on a school tour or on a summer camp and you ran across the boats [...]
Competitor Spotlight - Week 5. With Quest Glendalough looming, I began to research actual footage of trails of Wicklow on Youtube and came across a channel by a fella called "Outdoorsy Guy". Turns out he is an Irish guy who has done a good few races on the circuit. Really worthwhile checking his channel out. Some [...]
NEW DATE SAME INSPIRATIONAL CHALLENGE SUMMER 2017 STARTS ON JUNE 24TH ICONIC ADVENTURE RACE THROUGH BREATHTAKING SCENERY The route takes you from Glassilaun beach in Co. Galway to the heritage town of Westport, Co Mayo. TRAIL AND MOUNTAIN RUNNING OR WALKING; CYCLING AND KAYAKING Always varied, never boring - the terrain includes mountain scree, bogland, trails, [...]
Every once in a while a story comes along that makes you stop and think. A story that puts your own stuff into perspective. This story I talk about is the story of an Irish man. But not just any man. A man who wants to be in charge of his own destiny despite the odds. [...]
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 [...]
Competitor Spotlight - Week 4. So recently, Kayathlon.ie teamed up with Killary Gaelforce to run a competition to win a couple of free entries to Gaelforce Connemara on the 6th of May. From our hat, we pulled out the name of Shane Flannery. It transpires that Shane is doing a wee little challenge called the [...]
Hi all, Half-Marathon Mick here. Week 2 of my training diary or log or whatever you might like to call it. The first of my races kick off this weekend with the Castleconnell 10K down in Limerick. I’ve clocked up several good long runs over the last week in preparation. The routes have consisted of [...]
Introducing Mike Jones Adventurer, Our New Blogger. I mentioned a while back that our blog would soon be joined by a man who frankly encapsulates the adventurous spirit. If you were to ask anyone who knows Mike, of his whereabouts, they would point you in the direction of the water, a mountain or something that involves [...]
Competitor Spotlight - Week 2. I was up on our Instagram page and my eyes were drawn towards a picture of huge hoard of Adventure Race medals. They belonged to a guy called Denis O'Sullivan. To say I was impressed was an understatement...there was definite medal envy in there too. And as if big brother was watching, [...]
The site has been live now for 2 months and we have been banging on about how good Adventure/Multi-sport racing. So we have decided to call on other racers to give their opinions and why its so great. First up is Jonathan O'Meara. Jonathan, in 2015 made the leap from the ranks of triathlon to Adventure racing. Since then, [...]
Hi all, Half-Marathon Mick here with the first of hopefully many blog posts charting my leap into the world of competitive running. I nailed down long-distance running as a New Year’s Resolution back in the first fresh week of January. It’s so far so good as I’ve kept my feet off of the comfy couch and [...]
Was just getting ready last night for a run in the stormy weather, in preparation for Quest Glendalough on April 8th, I reached for my mp3 player and thought to myself what will I use tonight to help get me around...and I dug up this gem...The Rocky Soundtrack. What a classic. One, for me, that has [...]
I woke earlier than usual this morning. I could hear the gale flexing its muscle outside. #StormDoris was not in a very good mood. I hadn't planned on doing anything physical this morning as I have a couple of things on and was planning to get out later in the day. So I went back to the [...]
I recently posted a blog called Conquer Your Everest which discussed the importance of trail/hill training in preparation for a race. A couple emails filtered through about having no access to hills and looking for an alternative. So in response, read on :)While having access to hills obviously is an advantage, its not essential. If you live [...]
On the 12th of August this year, Offaly will host its first multi-sport adventure race. Set in the picturesque village of Kinnitty at the foothills of the Slieve Bloom Mountains, the splendid grounds of the renowned Kinnitty Castle will provide the backdrop to the start and finish of the inaugural Off The Bloom Adventure Race. Over [...]
They say ignorance is bliss, "they" never did a multi-sport race. So if you have just completed your first race last Saturday in Killary GaelForce Dublin and are probably thinking to yourself, I wouldn't mind doing that again but are wondering what would you do differently next time to better yourself. That's what went through my [...]
The first major adventure race of year "Killary Gaelforce Dublin" is complete. If it was your first, I suspect you are both buzzing and sore. You are probably rerunning the events of the race, the cycle, the trek to the summit of Kippure, the kayaking on Blessington and that feeling of crossing the finish line as [...]
So the big day has arrived and you are bursting the traps trying to get out and own that mountain...well take note of the following pointers to avoid disaster. Every athlete at some stage or another has fallen foul to a couple of these...no matter what level they are at. Rest There is an old Irish [...]
Your first steps into the world of multi-sport/adventure racing may be daunting but fear not. I will admit when I first decided I was going to give it a go, I was intimidated, not least by the race itself, the training involved to get me up to speed but from a financial side of things. What [...]
CONQUER THE WILDS OF CONNEMARA UNIQUE ACCESS TO UNMARKED MOUNTAINS WITH 3 DISTANCES Special access has been granted to this stunning route by local landowners making it an amazing opportunity for mountain running 1. 22KM EXPERT MOUNTAIN RUN 2. 12KM INTERMEDIATE MOUNTAIN RUN Challenging terrain throughout with steep ascents and descents. Before entering either of these [...]
MAGNIFICENT DONEGAL – NEVER DULL ALWAYS A CHALLENGE. WILL IT CONQUER YOU? NEW DATE SAME RACE. NOW YOU HAVE THE SUMMER TO TRAIN. NO EXCUSES. 64KM FULL & 45KM SPRINTCOURSES SPANNING WILDEST DONEGAL The route takes you from the stark peaks of Glenveagh National Park via Mount Errigal to the sweeping beaches of Bunbeg. TRAIL AND [...]
BACK OFF BOYS. THIS ONE IS JUST FOR THE LADIES. TIME OUT We thought you might like to have some time out with the girls so that is exactly what we have created. Mothers, daughters, sisters, grandmothers, aunties and friends, that includes all of you. THE PERFECT RACE Designed by the women of the Gaelforce Team [...]
WOMEN'S ADV RACE WICKLOW 19 AUGUST 2017 SORRY LADS. THIS ONE IS ALSO JUST FOR THE LADIES. FEEL LIKE A SECOND CHANCE? Did you take the July women’s race in Galway by storm and you want that feeling back again? Or maybe you missed that one and really want the chance to show how amazing you [...]
SPRINT DISTANCE ADVENTURE RACE IN A STUNNING LOCATION The perfect training race for the more experienced. The ideal introduction to adventure racing for the first timer STAND-ALONE SPRINT RACE Unique event with only one distance for all competitors. ADVENTURE DUATHLON - 29KM Stay on dry land – same superb course just no kayaking. TRAIL AND MOUNTAIN RUNNING [...]
Urban meets rural in Spring 2017 as Gaelforce brings an adventure race to Dublin. Based in the foothills of the Dublin mountains, 20 minutes from the city center, you will be able to enjoy the beauty of our capital with amazing views from Kippure mountain. There are 2 courses to choose from, depending on your fitness [...]
