Normal weather routes
Go to page: GAELFORCE WEST
Go to page: Our partners
Go to page: Info
Go to page: GAELFORCE WEST
Go to page: The Route
DISCIPLINE DISTANCES MAKING UP THE 66KM COURSE
DISCIPLINE DISTANCES MAKING UP THE 66KM COURSE

DISCIPLINE DISTANCES MAKING UP THE 66KM COURSE

  1. Running/walking: 22km
  2. Cycling: 43km
  3. Kayaking: 1km

COURSE ROUTE

COURSE MAP


STAGE 1: TRAIL AND ROAD RUN (13.5 KM)

The start line is located at Lough Inagh Valley in Connemara. Run between the Maamturks and the 12 Bens in this stunning valley trail run  that will bring you out in the Coillte forests at the back of Killary Adveture Centre.

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 (30KM)

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. This entire section is now on sealed roads.

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 2.40pm, you will not be allowed to ascend the mountain and you will be short coursed back to Westport.
Gaelforce would like to acknowledge and thank all the land owners of the Croagh Patrick mountain for the continued support of Gaelforce West, without which the event could not happen.
There is currently a Sustainable Access and Habitat Restoration project underway on it which aims to provide a robust path for access and to restore the eroded parts of the mountain. Gaelforce is working with and fully supports the Croagh Patrick Shareholder Group to protect the heritage and the landscape of the mountain. We ask that competitors do not use the Croagh Patrick to train for our race at any time. 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)

The off road section affectionally known as 'the Skelp' was removed from the route for the 2019 race.

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. 
 

Prev
next
Go to page: Route Breakdown
Go to page: Reviews
Go to page: Event Partners
Go to page: Event Info
Go to page: EVENT SCHEDULE
Go to page: Price
Go to page: Faq
Go to page: Results