THE RACE is a 250km endurance event across the least hospitable terrain in Ireland.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A full list of compulsory equipment is available here.
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.
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
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.
Yes there will be toilets at base and at the end of stage 1, 2, 3/4 and 5.
As with other interchanges you will be able to leave 1 box with your bike.
Competitors are required to make there own way to Gartan Adventure Centre (17km from Letterkenny.)
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.
Yes.
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
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.
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.
Single sit on tops
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:
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.
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.
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.
No problem at all. The clothing choice is at each competitors discretion.
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.
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.
Yes there will be toilets at base and at the end of stage 1, 2, 3/4 and 5.
There will be no support crews
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.