Here are five things you might not know about it
1. It’s bloody tough...
Adventure races by their very nature are a long way removed from a little jog in the park and the Killarney Adventure Race is no different. There are three routes of varying difficulties to suit competitors of different fitness levels, but if you think you have the bottle to take on the toughest route of all, a serious challenge awaits
2. But it’s not all hard work...
Of course, the 67km route is for the ultra-fit, grizzled adventure race veterans out there and stubborn folk who feel like pushing themselves to the absolute maximum of their physical capabilities.
If that sounds a bit tough, there are two other routes available – a 57km route which cuts 10km off the Mangerton Mountain run and a 25km route, which drastically reduces the length of the cycle and the mountain run and eliminates the first 7.5km run altogether.
Also, if you want to drag a few friends along, there is an option available to compete in teams of two, three or four, so you can share the physical load and toast your achievements together once it’s all over and done with.
3. It’s not just any old race; it’s an award-winning race...
The event was such a success, in fact, that it was voted ‘2011 Event of the year’ by Ireland’s leading outdoor and adventure sports publication Outsider Magazine, beating off competition from 40 other events across the country.
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4. The scenery is stunning...
Not only is Kerry home to the best Gaelic Footballers in the country, it’s home to some pretty stunning scenery as well. As mentioned above, participants will take in sights such as the Gap of Dunloe, Moll’s Gap, Mangerton Mountain and the Lakes of Killarney.
It might be hard for competitors to take their eyes off the ground when the going gets tough, but those that do will also be able to take in Carrantouhill, Kenmare Bay, Killarney National Park and Muckross House and Gardens, which contains Ireland’s largest Oak Forest.
5. There will be freebies!...
While the majority of participants will be there to challenge themselves, at these sort of events there are always a few who go along simply to avail of the freebies on offer and those shameless cheapskates won’t be disappointed in Killarney.
Included in the registration fee of €80 (€70 for the short course) is a customised cycling t-shirt, a customised finisher’s medal, a base layer t-shirt from the renowned Norwegian outdoor clothing brand Helly Hansen, who have come on board as the title sponsor for this year’s event, and a goodie bag packed with cool bits and bobs from the race sponsors.
If all that’s not enough, participants will be able to avail of the famed Japanese hot tubs, a massage and a bowl of piping hot soup at the finish line, while there is a free post-race barbeque and party for everyone involved. What’s not to like.
For more Info check out: www.killarneyadventurerace.ie
Author: Connor Hennegan Joe.ie
