FAQs

 

1. What is THE RACE?

 

THE RACE is a 250km endurance event across the least hospitable terrain in Ireland.

 

2. Is THE RACE an adventure race, a ultra-triathlon, expedition race or extreme race?

 

THE RACE does not fall into any specific category. The race combines elements of many different genres but is in fact a category in and of itself. THE RACE is simply the toughest endurance event ever to take place on these shores.

  

3. Is any navigation required on the course?

 

The race is an endurance challenge as distinct from an adventure race requiring navigation. As such the course is sign posted and marshalled throughout and does not require navigation.

 

4. Who will compete in THE RACE?

 

There will be no stereotypical competitor. Competitors will come from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines. You do not need to be an experienced athlete. You do not need to be an elite runner, cyclist or kayaker. Those who compete in and ultimately complete THE RACE will be those who refuse to give up.

 

5. How much training is required?

 

The amount of training needed will depend on your current fitness levels. Competitors are invariably busy people and can’t train all the time. Some will complete the event with less training, others want to win and will devote more time to preparations. The Race team will be available to talk you through a training plan that works for you.

 

6. How much does it cost to enter THE RACE?

 

THE RACE is a not-for-profit event. All proceeds from the race will go to help support the work of Gorta-Self Help Africa. The entry fee for the race is 600 euro (150 euro of which is payable up front and represents the deposit to confirm registration.) Competitors will get support from Gorta-Self Help Africa to help with fundraising and sponsorship.  

 

7. What is included in the entry fee?

 

  • Two nights accommodation in the Estate
  • Dinner upon arrival on eve of event
  • Breakfast on the morning of event and dinner upon completion
  • Brunch in the boat house for prize-giving ceremony
  • THE RACE Pack – including THE RACE performance top
  • Use of kayak, paddle and buoyancy aid
  • Access to expert training and nutritional advice from Sand2Snow Adventures Team
  • The Race 2018, official medal

 

8. What equipment do I need to compete in THE RACE?

 

A full list of compulsory equipment is available here.

  

9. Are there any classification categories for competitors?

 

Race Entry / Registration

We will award a total of 150 places to competitors for The Race 2018. Registration is divided into two categories. The 150 Spaces will be divided as follows:

Registration Round 1 - First Come, First Served.

This round is open to all competitors. Places will be awarded on a first come, first served basis until all places are filled.

 

Registration Round 2 – Selection Process

This round is open to all competitors. However, preference will be given to certain groups if their allocation has not already been filled.*

Open NOW

75 Spaces available *

*Where possible we will ensure a minimum representation in The Race of Female Competitors (10%), International Competitors (10%), Local Competitors (10%) and Previous Competitors (10%).

The Elite competitor spaces will be allocated to the competitors with the greatest experience and/or best, relevant race results as judged by the race organisers. Please note that there will be no elite wave during The Race. All competitors will begin the event at the same time.

 

10. How many checkpoints are there during The Race and what will be available at each ?

 

There is a checkpoint at the end of each stage so 5 in total as the end of stages 3 and 4 are at the same location. There will be basic shelter at each checkpoint on the course. These will vary between temporary and permanent structures. Each will contain Safety Personnel and Equipment Box Drops Toilets Changing Areas Seated Areas Water and Food

 

11. Is there is a box drop at the end of each stage ?

 

Yes there is a box drop at the end of 1,2,3/4 and 5. To be clear the end of stage 3 and 4 is at the same location and as such there will only be one drop here.

 

12. Will we have toilets on the route, if so where?

 

Yes there will be toilets at base and at the end of stage 1, 2, 3/4 and 5.

 

13. What gear can I leave with my bike?

 

As with other interchanges you will be able to leave 1 box with your bike.

 

14. How do I get to the start of THE RACE?

 

Competitors are required to make there own way to Gartan Adventure Centre (17km from Letterkenny.)

 

15. When and where are the cut-off points/times?

 

1. Competitors must begin Stage 4 by 4.30pm

2. Competitors must begin Stage 5 by 6.30pm

3. Competitors must begin Stage 6 by 11.30pm

 

Additional Notes on Cut off Times:

On stage 5 and 6 cut offs will be enforced if it is clear competitors are unable to finish the course within the 24 hour limit. This decision will be at the desecration of the stage safety officer and race director.

Cut off times will be strictly enforced and will be at the discretion of stage safety officers and race director.

 

16. Are kayaks, paddles and buoyancy aids provided?

 

Yes.

 

17. How many checkpoints are there during The Race and what will be available at each ?

 

There is a checkpoint at the end of each stage so 5 in total as the end of stages 3 and 4 are at the same location. There will be basic shelter at each checkpoint on the course. These will vary between temporary and permanent structures. Each will contain Safety Personnel and Equipment Box Drops Toilets Changing Areas Seated Areas Water and Food

 

18. What items of the mandatory list must we carry throughout the race.

 

You will need to have all compulsory gear on your person throughout. Except Clothing which you can separate as you wish and bike gear which is only required for the bicycle section.

 

19. Are both cycle legs on reasonably good quality sealed roads?

 

The cycling legs are all on sealed roads and over 90% of these would be described as being in good to very good condition. There is a 15km stretch towards the end of the second cycle that is on a one lane local road. Again this is in good condition for a local road.There will however be cracks in the tarmac on this section.

  

20. Are the kayaks single or double sit on tops?

 

Single sit on tops

  

21. In terms of assistance for the race are we allowed to have any outside support ie a support team with food, clothes etc ready or do we have to be completely self sufficient?

The Race is an unsupported event. Part of the challenge is for competitors to complete the course without outside assistance.
Supporters can meet with competitors at designated areas located at each stage transition . Supporters are not permitted to interfere with competitors and cannot under any circumstances:

  • Handover or collect any equipment / fuel
  • Drive alongside competitors
  • Disobey an event marshall

22. Can you describe the accommodation provided?

 

Accommodation is dormitory style but spacious with plenty of room for all competitors kit. It is included in competitors race fee for the Friday and Saturday night of the event.

  

23. Can my friends/family run/cycle/kayak alongside me on the course

 

No support by foot / kayak / bicycle on the course. Friends and family can support at numerous designated spots along the course. They will also be able to meet with competitors at designated zones at each stage transition.

 

24. Will there be any water available on the final run leg or should we planning to carry all of what we will need in a hydration pack.

 

There will be water available at each stage checkpoint and at the half way point on stage 3 and stage 6. Marshals on the course will also have an additional supply of water at varies locations on the course.

 

25. On stage two, if the weather is bad, i.e. cold and wet,I may wear a wet suit. Is there any problem in doing so ?

 

No problem at all. The clothing choice is at each competitors discretion.

  

26. It states stage two is paddling with the tide, is there any part during the 15km we are against the current or flow. This is just so I can get a close estimate on my time.

 

In testing this stage has taken us between 1hr 30mins and 2.15hrs. In 2018 all competitors will be paddling with the tide throughout this stage.

 

27. Is there is a box drop at the end of each stage ?

 

Yes there is a box drop at the end of 1,2,3/4 and 5. To be clear the end of stage 3 and 4 is at the same location and as such there will only be one drop here.

  

28. Will we have toilets on the route, if so where?

 

Yes there will be toilets at base and at the end of stage 1, 2, 3/4 and 5.

 

29. Are we allowed any support or crews on the route?

 

There will be no support crews

  

30. What facilities will be at transitions and can we store our food & change of clothing at each transition.

 

There will be four bag drops on the course at the end of stage 1, 2, 3/4 and 5. End Stage 1 - Water, Bag Drop, Medical Team End Stage 2,3/4,5 - Medical Tent , Bag Drop , Toilet, Water. (We will have a small area in the medical tents that competitors can use to change. This will be private but quite basic) There will be hot water available at check points 3/4 and 5.

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  • Name: Anthony Boyle Nationality: IrishBackgroundMy main reason for entering is that I would like the opportunity to test my mental and
    Read More

    Anthony Boyle

  • Name: Jeff Butler Nationality: IrishBackground (Reasons for attempting The Race) Always wanted to do longer expedition style races - and this looks
    Read More

    Jeff Butler

  • Name: George Kelly Nationality: Irish Background  Two of my sons have entered the 2016 Race. I have always encouraged my sons to
    Read More

    George Kelly

  • Name Oisin Weldon Nationality Irish Background (Reasons for attempting The Race) The score is Oisin 1- The Race 1, so
    Read More

    Oisin Weldon

  • Name Kevin Kelly Nationality Irish Background (Reasons for attempting The Race) Engineer living and working in Scotland having just spent
    Read More

    Kevin Kelly

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