Gaelforce Events story
This is the story of how a small idea became a very big event and how it continues to grow and progress to become even better. A little bit like the experience of the average first-timer in an adventure race. This is a very exciting story and certainly one for the times we live in.
The beginning...
In 2006 Jamie Young, director of Killary Adventure Company had an idea for the biggest one day adventure race in Europe to be held between Connemara and south west Mayo and luckily for him some other people thought it was a good idea too. An adventurer himself in the truest sense of the word with having sailed single-handed across the Atlantic and retraced Shackleton's journey to St Georgia among other things, Jamie understood that the spirit of adventure could grow and flourish in the west of Ireland.
Gaelforce 6 & 12...
A voluntary committe supported by Failte Ireland came together and Gaelforce West was on the calendar. With two events – Gaelforce 6 and Gaelforce 12 – it ran in conjunction with an adventure festival in Westport town for two years. In 2008 it was realised that the enthusiasm for such a gruelling race was not enough and Gaelforce 12 was dropped from the calendar. It had been worth a try and very ambitious in itself but the market was just not there. Gaelforce 6 or Gaelforce West as it is now known grew and became the ultimate adventure race to complete in Ireland. Over 3000 people crossed the line (in varying states!) in 2010. The scenery and the natural challenges involved over 67km were seen as some of the best in Ireland.
24 hour cycle race...
The next event was to be Gaelforce Cycle West – another event which pushed the limits and tested the enthusiasm for long-haul racing. Competitors cycled through 24 hours on both tracks and roads. 140 competitors took part in the first race in 2009. It was felt afterwards that the numbers would just not be enough for the logistics involved and efforts might be better spent in another direction.
Gaelforce Events...
2009 also saw the inception of Gaelforce Events to bring the events under one umbrella and to create a strong and recognisable brand.
Two new events for 2010...
2010 was a busy year with the introduction of the Connemara Adventure Challenge and the Turf Guy Challenge. Connemara Adventure Challenge taking place in May saw 900 competitors cover a 31km course which included cycling, kayaking and running across bog and hill. This proved very popular as a preparatory challenge for those considering Gaelforce West later in the year. The Turf Guy Challenge in November continues to be a unique event on a purpose-built course which saw 300 participants in its first year. It involves 14km through mud, across obstacles, climbing, swinging and jumping into the chilly Atlantic! The course continues to evolve with new obstacles and challenges each year since.
And yet another one in 2011...
Gaelforce North brought the Gaelforce brand to Donegal where a fantastic course was developed around Glenveagh National Park, Mount Errigal and the beaches of Gaoth Dobhair. The same distance as Gaelforce West, this race set another challenge for adventure racers to conquer in June each year. It attracted 400 people in its first year. In 2012 a new sprint course was added to allow participants of all levels to compete and to give people the chance to build up to the full race.
Why stop there...
2012 saw our first 10km run with the Bray 10km Trail Blazer on a beautiful sunny day in March. We were concerned that it would be difficult to compete with the glut of races held on the east coast and had to look for a unique angle. And we found it - running along beaches, cliff paths and tracks between Greystones and Bray with a cracking after-event party to follow was one of the highlights of the year and a real success that will be built on in 2013.
Open water swimming...
The Great Fjord Swim in October was a new direction for Gaelforce but an obvious one considering the glorious body of water sitting in front of our home base at Leenane. Almost 300 people competed over two distances and for quite considerable prizes, which they certainly earned! The Fjord looked majestic with the flat green waters reflecting the mountains above.
What's ahead...
More races, more events, more ideas and of course honing of the existing events. Turf Guy is being re-branded with its own website and a summer Turf Guy will be held for the first time in May 2013. Keep up with our story as it evolves and be a part of something positive whether competing, supporting or volunteering to help. Choose to be part of Gaelforce Events this year!
