Course Overview for Elite / Sporty Adventure Race & Team Relay Challenge

The organisers are all seasoned adventure participants and organizers and have an understanding for the challenges that competitors demand. The event begins and ends in the Melleray Monastery, County Waterford, 4 miles from Cappoquin. Perhaps it is the organizers perverse thinking of penitent deeds that led them to this spot but more likely it is the fact that it's an idyllic retreat which holds court over the whole course. From here competitors will run 6.4km through Glenshelane wood to their bike collection point and then will continue for 15.7km up the Knockmealdowns to the top of the Vee. At this point the elite participants can choose whether to scamper or walk up the loose stone ascent to the top of the Sugar Loaf. It's about 1.28km long and it's not the one in Wicklow!! From here you can regain your composure and try to distinguish the six counties visible from you vantage point. (You'll definitely see your house from here.) It's hard to think at altitude so there is Waterford, Tipperary, Cork, Limerick, Laois and Kilkenny. The sporty participants will have an equally amazing view awaiting them as they jog to the stunning Bealough, a hidden gem of a lake overlooking several counties.

After returning to the bikes competitors will remount and cycle to the historic and picturesque town of Lismore, home from home to the Duke of Devonshire. This is about 12.8km downhill!! In Lismore, on the banks of the Blackwater you find a kayak and paddle off downstream the 6.4km to the lovely village of Cappoquin. Fishing rights have not been secured by the organizers so competitors are strictly forbidden to fish for salmon trout or old sunken treasures on their voyage. After disembarking your craft and presumably still relatively dry (unless it's raining or you fall in) you run 6.4km (by road) back to collect your bike and point it towards the finish 14.6km away. All to do is wish away the pain, focus on your goal and consider what beverage you'll have to celebrate your achievement later that day (64.7km).

Experienced kayakers are encouraged to bring their own kayaks (Suitable for K1s/wild waterboats etc.) whereas those looking to rent a kayak will be supplied with a sit-on-top. Limited numbers are available and all rented sit-on-top kayaks are doubles, with participants hopping into the next available kayak when they arrive at the kayak transition with no time-outs allowed. It is important that competitors have some previous experience in kayaking.

All cycling takes place on roads i.e no off-road