Connemara Adventure Challenge - The Essence of Adventure Racing!

Below are a couple of stories that we received from competitors of last weekends Connemara Adventure Challenge. They really show what our events are all about! Thanks to the guys for sending them in.

I must admit, this was one of the most enjoyable races I ever did.

For a start, I love adventure races, did plenty of Gaelforce races and even came 18th in last years Turf Guy. I also run Marathons under 3:15 and that kind of stuff. So I reckon I'm quiet competitive.

This time, I brought my girl friend, her border collie and two beginners which both had a loans of one of my 3 bicycles. And I was ready to impress all of them with a new best time in this years Connemara Adventure Race.

At the start, I just felt great, the run up the hill just went perfect and I was absolutely delighted when I was on the bike. Well within my target time. Even my first flat tire (which i fixed within 5 minutes) didn't cause much trouble.

However, the second flat tyre shortly after that showed me that just one spare tube is just not enough. That was some 3K before we hit the N59.

Many cyclists past me, but very few (I even think not a single one) without asking me if I needed help, water, food, whatever. None of them had a racing bike like me, so obviously none was able to give me a loan of a spare tube.

Even my buddy with my other road bike asked me if I wanted my (his) bike, an offer I could only refuse. So while I was walking I thought that this is just the end of it.

Strangely enough, while more and more people past, I slowly changed my attitude. So many fellow competitors wanted to make sure that I was OK, that I almost felt I would let them down too, if I just stopped the race then.

Eventually I arrived at thee N59 and was chatting with the Guards, and a nice gentleman offered to bring my bike back to the transition point at the adventure centre. From there I just ran and finished the race.

I guess that's what these races are all about, not to achieve a personal best all the time, but to enjoy the race, having fun, making the best out of every situation, and just make it through the finish line. I came last of all my friends, but I guess I had most fun.

Thanks for everybody involved !

Daniel Stiegler

I just wanted to say thanks to everyone involved for a fantastic weekend. My sister roped me into the race, and to be honest I didn’t think about it much before the weekend of the race. I have done some running, but not the other activities. I dusted off my bike the previous weekend and took it for a spin in my training! But from the moment we drove into Leenane, I was thinking what in the hell am I doing here. Warmed up by porridge in the Killary adventure centre, I couldn’t wait to get going.

And from the off, I think I had a smile on my face for most of the race, which turned into a grimace going up the mountain!!! The course is brilliant fun, from the bog run to the mountain climb, and especially the cycle through the spectacular forest tracks and river, to the kayaking and the long run home, it was the best thing I have done. As for my sister, she hasn’t stopped smiling since, she is planning the next adventure race already.

I am trying to rope in as many people as I can for next year, will definitely be back. Great organization, great crack and great fun, it was like being a child again.

If anyone ever thought about doing it, don’t think any more, JUST DO IT!

Brian Cott