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68KM

DISCIPLINE DISTANCES MAKING UP THE 68KM COURSE

Running/walking: 22km approx
Cycling: 45km approx
Kayaking: 1km max

COURSE PROFILE:

For route elevation, category climbs and other route details check out the course profile

COURSE PROFILE

COURSE MAP:

COURSE MAP

STAGE 1: BEACH, TRAIL AND ROAD RUN (13.5KM)

Start line located at Glassilaun beach in Connemara. Continue by road around Little Killary Harbour and then over the hillside into Killary Fjord. Make your way along the old Famine greenway (muddy and uneven underfoot) to the shore below Killary Adventure Centre and the kayak transition area.

STAGE 2: KAYAKING ACROSS KILLARY HARBOUR (1KM)

Kayak from the southern shore of Killary Fjord to its northern shore in a two-man sit-on-top with the next competitor to you.

STAGE 3: TRAIL AND ROAD RUN (4.0KM)

Disembarking onto the foothills of Mweelrea, with tufted long grass and boggy holes underfoot. Next on to a laneway and eventually a narrow road leading you into the Delphi Valley.

STAGE 4: CYCLING (32.0KM)

Leaving the Delphi Valley and heading for Drummin, spectacular hills to climb and extreme care needed on the downhills. Expect severe corners and narrow country roads. On to a gradual climb up to the back of Croagh Patrick and the transition area. The final 2km of this section is on a rough, loose-stoned forestry track. Punctures possible on a road bike so caution advised.

STAGE 5: MOUNTAIN RUN/WALK (4.5KM)

Croagh Patrick (764m). Stay on the path and take care on the top section of this mountain as it has a lot of loose stones. If you do not reach the transition at the bottom by 2.30pm, you will not be allowed to ascend the mountain and you will be short coursed back to Westport.
Killary Gaelforce would like to acknowledge and thank all of the land owners of the Croagh Patrick mountain for the continued support of Gaelforce West, without which the event could not happen. Killary Gaelforce would like to share the ethos of care on Croagh Patrick with you our competitors. We ask that all competitors ensure that they 'Leave No Trace' on the mountain and that what they bring up with them MUST come down. We also encourage you to read the Mayo Mountain Rescue Safety Guidelines for climbing Croagh Patrick.

STAGE 6: CYCLING (13.0KM)

Always obey the rules of the road. Return to the junction with the N59 along a sealed road and on towards the finish line at Westport. Turning right off the N59 and down a steep hill to the town centre. At the bottom of the hill you will take a sharp left down Church street. Note there are speed ramps on the final decent. You will be asked to slow down and dismount before you proceed down Church Street.

STAGE 7: FINAL RUN

Drop your bike at the final bike drop on the green area and make the short run to the finish line in Westport Leisure Park in Westport town centre.

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