Showing posts with label Killarney Adventure Race. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Killarney Adventure Race. Show all posts

Monday, 17 March 2014

March 17th

WOW What a Day in the Black Valley!















Close to 300 competitors kicked off the St Patrick’s Day festivities in style this Sunday morning on a challenging yet rewarding Killarney Adventure Race as they ran, kayaked and cycled their way across one of Ireland’s most spectacular scenic routes on a sun splashed day in Kerry. A hard fought race was eventually won by Jerry O’Sullivan while Siobhan Dineen, in her first ever adventure race took the top female honours. For many, the pride in simply finishing the gruelling race was reason enough to celebrate as everyone crossed the line safely.

Full Results are Available here:<Results>
Loads of Photos available here, thanks to Valerie O’Sullivan: <Photos>


Saint Patrick may be famous for chasing the snakes out of Ireland, but you’d wonder if he’d have completed the job if they had taken him across this route.  Although at times it was hard to tell if it was the 52k or the stunning landscape that was leaving the competitors breathless.

A big thanks to everyone who took part and the residents in the Black Valley who were so helpful and supportive.















Remember registration is open now for the next Killarney adventure race in October, everyone who took part in March got a special discount code in your registration pack, 

Register now <Click Hers>

Saturday, 22 February 2014

Feburary 22nd

Kayak Training on the 1st March

We have arranged a Kayak training day on the Lakes of Killarney next week. It is a perfect way to get a bit of Kayak practice in before the race on St. Patrick's Weekend.




The following are all the details:

Location: Ross Castle Killarney
Cost: €20 per person
Duration: 1.15 hours approx
What is included: expert training, all required equipment.
Time: Session 1: 10.00am, Session 2: 11.30, Session 3: 14.00

To book contact info@moractive.com or Michael on 086 389 0171



Sunday, 19 January 2014

19 January 2014

Cycle Route for New Killarney Adventure Race St. Patrick's Weekend.



Over the past few days we have got a few queries about the gravel track section of the Adventure Race on St. Patrick's Weekend 16th March. 

You have to remember that it is a one day adventure race you are taking part in, the road surface will not always be smooth, you might come across a bit of gravel or a few steep hills, but that's what it is all about :)


Information on the route:

  • You will cycle this track twice, 4K on the way down to Lord Brandon's Cottage and 4K back to the finish line.
  • The track is gravel with some sharp, short hills 50m-70m in length, your bike mightn't make it up the hill so you will have to get off and walk!
  • The track is narrow and it will be difficult to pass out in places.
  • There are 2 narrow bridges that you have to dismount to cross. (this is mandatory)
  • All competitors will be at the cycle transition in the Black Valley before cyclists start coming back. You will not meet anyone cycling against you on the track or the road.
  • Bike selection is a personal choice - I have cycled it on a hybrid and a road bike with Gator Skin tyres - both bikes are suitable.
  • The 4K is a tricky cycle, but that is what makes adventure racing different from Triathlon or a club cycle.
  • Every measure has been take to ensure your safety on this gravel track.
  • We will have 2 bike mechanics on duty to give you a hand if you get a puncture.
  • We will put up a video up on our you tube channel to give you an idea of the cycle route over the next couple of days.

Some Frequently Asked Questions on the Cycle Route:

What bike should I use?

The bike choice is a personal choice. The top Elite competitors will be using a road bike with Gatorskin Tyres. Other competitors will use a hybrid bike with Gatorskin tyres and people can also use a mountain bike. The road bike will be fastest on the road but will not be as quick on the 4K gravel track. The mountain bike will be 30% slower on the road but quicker that the road bike on the 4K gravel section. See this video of what Gatorskin tyres are all about: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sv79yBRCtBw





What type of surface is the cycle track?

The surface is gravel. The heavy rain over winter has created a few groves in the track. Care and attention must be given when cycling this track. There are a few short steep hills that you might have to get off the bike and walk.

What happens if I get a puncture?

A spare tube and bike pump is part of the mandatory kit list. If  you get a puncture you should be able to change the tube in your bike. See video on how change a tube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwwfV99VV8I

What type of cycling shoes / pedals should I use?

The type Elite guys will not use cycling shoes. They will use trail runners in toe clips / cages / strap type pedals (see picture below) You have to dismount 2 times on the 4K gravel track and possibly dismount on the steep short hill section so clip, in cycle shoes / cleat shoes might be a disadvantage.



What happens if I meet someone coming the other way?

You won't. The waves times are structured in such a way to ensure everyone gets to the bike transition in the black valley before the Elite competitors start coming back down. The gravel track and road in the Black Valley is too dangerous to have bike meeting each other.

Is the Road Closed to Cars?

No the road is not closed. Competitors must obey rules of the road. Other road users will be made aware of the event and will drive with caution. Care must be take in the down hill section past the Black Valley Church and hostel. Please take notice of signs and our marshals with red flags and whistles.



Please remember that you will have a great time at the St. Patrick's Weekend Killarney Adventure Race regardless of what type of bike you have, if you get a puncture or if your feet get wet!

It is an adventure race it is supposed to take you out of your comfort zone and bring you down places where you have never been before!

Full information is available here >>>>

The race entry is limited to 500 people. The entry is 55% full at present. Register now to ensure you place. Click Here >>>>




Tuesday, 31 December 2013

31 December 2013

New St Patrick's Weekend Adventure Race   

Great News we are having an exciting new Adventure race in Killarney on Sunday the 16th of March.

Why not Kick off your Season with an epic adventure race, 52Km total distance.


The exact details are being finalised and we hope to have the route maps and registration open in the 1st week of January.


Some sneak pictures of the new route:


The route is broken down as follows:
Stage 1: Cycle 20K
Stage 2: Trail Run 9.5K
Stage 3: Kayak 500m
Stage 4: Trail Run  2.5K
Stage 4: Cycle 20K







Follow us on:
Facebook
Twitter 
for all the latest news
on the New St. Patrick's
Weekend Killarney
Adventure Race

Trail run section of the
new St. Patrick's Weekend KAR

Stunning remote locations

Watch this space





Tuesday, 1 October 2013

2nd October Important Race Informaiton



IMPORTANT RACE INFORMATION

The big day is nearly here and it’s all systems go down in Killarney. We can't wait to welcome you all down to the adventure capital for Ireland's biggest adventure race

Please read the following important information relating to your participation in the Helly Hansen Killarney Adventure Race:
  1. Wave times are available here >>>>
  2.  Please read the detailed race information document here >>>
  3.   No changes to wave times are permitted.
  4.  Registration on Friday 4th October from 2.00pm - 11.00pm in the INEC Killarney.
  5. There is no facility to register on the morning of the race.
  6. You will receive a text message with your race number and wave time. Please present this at registration.
  7.  Please make yourself familiar with the race maps. Detailed route maps are also available here >>>


Make sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest news and promotions from our sponsors. Use the official hashtag #KAR13


From everyone at the Helly Hansen Killarney Adventure Race Team we hope you have a great weekend in Irelands adventure capital, its going to be epic  :)













Wednesday, 25 September 2013

25th September - Kerry Legend Signs Up For An Adventure

 SEAMUS MOYNIHAN - EVENT AMBASSADOR           

Even in Kerry, few Gaelic football players have left such an indelible mark following a long and successful inter-county career as Seamus Moynihan has.  He has now taken up Adventure Racing on his door step in Killarney. With 4 All Ireland Football Medals, Seamus knows a thing or two about preparing for a big challenge.
  



SEAMUS TOP TIPS 

1.   Last week to get some Challenging training In: This is the last week where you can get one or 2 hard training sessions in. if possible, over next weekend try and get a hill run in followed by a cycle and another hill run in  to reflect what you will be asking your body to do on the day of the race. From Sunday on, you should be on Wind down mode to make sure you and nice and fresh for the day  of the event.

2.   Get some Kayak Training: For those who are not used of Kayaking or  for those who have never been out Kayaking before, it is vital that you organise one or 2 training sessions with someone who has experience rowing or using a kayak. This will be of major benefit to you on the day  of the race.

3.   Start planning your Food and Drink Intake. Ensure you have 2 full water bottles  on your bike and you have a water supply for the second climb after the Kayak (either a back bladder or a carrier bag with a  water bottle).  Have plenty of energy gels, jaffa cakes, wine gums, glucose sweets, bananas and salt sachets in your carrier bag. With regard to the Energy gels, try and use the gels which you have been using in training. If you don’t like the gels, try the energy bars. Make sure you eat food that agrees with you and what has worked for you in the training leading up to the event.

4.   Get your Bike Serviced: make sure you get the Bike serviced, a chain snapping or a burst tyre could destroy all the good time you made running up Strickeen. It is vital that if you don’t know how to fix a puncture, ask someone who knows to show you. A flat tube or a burst tyre is not the end of the world if you know how to change it – if you don’t well its game up. Always carry a spare tub and a to be safe fold and tie a spare tyre to your bike.

5.   Be organised -Get your Gear in Order: You have 2 weeks to get your gear in order – make sure you have the correct foot wear for climbing and running, that you have the correct cycling shorts and your top has pockets in the back to carry your first aid kit and some food.  You should write down a check list of all the gear you need for the event and tick off as you have in order, don’t leave this until the last minute as you will no doubt forget something.

6.   Sort out those niggling Injuries: make sure you give yourself every fighting chance on the day of the event. If you have some minor injuries or if you are feeling stiff make sure you get in for some Physio work or get a massage – your body deserves this after all the hard work.

7.   Stretch Stretch Stretch: if you cant get in for physio, make sure you stretch for 15 minutes every night stretching the main muscle types – calves, quads, groins, glutes. You have trained hard, make sure you stretch out those over trained muscle to keep them nice and supple.  You don’t want to pull or strain a tight muscle as this could put you out of the event or make it extremely tough for you.

8.   Plenty of Rest: get plenty of sleep in over the next 2 weeks, your body needs plenty of sleep to recover from the hard training. Aim for 7 good hours sleep a night.

9.   Eat Well: make sure you are getting plenty of complex carbs and  protein  into the body – your body needs to be well fuelled for this event so eat up. On the morning of the event try and eat something substantial 3 hours before you start. If you don’t you will  run out of energy very fast and will hit the wall.