Stage 1: 13.5KM | Run | Mostly trail & some road
From the start line at Lough Inagh Valley, you’ll run by the Maamturk and 12 Ben mountains in this stunning valley trail, bringing you out in the Coillte forests at the back of Killary Adventure Centre.
Stage 2: 1KM | Kayak | Killary Fjord
The run finishes at the shoreline where you'll take on a 1km loop kayak from the southern shore of Killary Fjord, in a 2-man sit-on-top kayak shared with the competitor next in line to you. Single kayaks are available for elite competitors.
Stage 3: 0.5KM | Run | Trail & road
A quick half km track and road run to the bike transition area at Killary Adventure Centre.
Stage 4: 36.5KM | Cycle
Leaving Killary Adventure Centre, you’ll head towards Leenane. A lovely cycle through the Partry and Sheefry Valleys on the N59, through Liscarney and turning left up to Croagh Patrick with a gradual climb up to the Croagh Patrick transition area. This entire section is on sealed roads. You must reach the transition area at the bottom of Croagh Patrick by 2:55pm.
Stage 5: 4.5KM | Mountain run/walk | trail
Take on the mighty Croagh Patrick mountain on foot. This challenging 764m climb to the top of The Reek and back will test your limits.
You must stick to the path at all times to ensure the ongoing work to the path is not adversely affected. Any deviation will result in instant disqualification. Gaelforce does not have exclusive use of the mountain on event day - competitors must be respectful of other users.
By kind permission of the Croagh Patrick Stakeholders group.
Stage 6: 12KM | Cycle
Once you’re back at the bottom of the mountain, it’s back on your bike for the final leg. Return to the junction on the N59 along a sealed road and on towards the finish line at Westport.
Drop your bike at the final bike drop area, make the short run to the finish line and you’ve done it!
Route totals
Run: 18.5km: You'll run a total of 18.5km on grassy tracks, rough trails, sealed roads, bog & mountain with a 764m ascent to the top of Croagh Patrick.
Kayak: 1km: A short 1km kayak on beautiful Killary Fjord on a shared two-person sit-on-top kayak.
Cycle: 48.5km: You’ll cycle a total of 48.5km in two stages, on narrow country roads, off-road tracks and sealed roads.
We would like to acknowledge and thank all our local landowners for their continued support of Gaelforce West and allowing us access to this unique route and these special landscapes. This event couldn’t happen without them.
We are working with and fully support the Croagh Patrick Shareholder Group to protect the heritage and the landscape of Croagh Patrick mountain. Competitors must ensure to Leave No Trace on the mountain and what you bring up MUST come down. Please do not use Croagh Patrick to train for our race at any time.
For route elevation, category climbs, and other route details check out this Course Profile on Strava.
Details of the final route will be posted here and emailed to all registered competitors 1 week before event day.
*Please note, the race route is subject to change based on weather and other conditions.
