Castlebar is to get its own adventure race which organisers are hoping to develop into a premier event on the adventure calendar in the west of Ireland.
Endurance man Ger Duffy and Joanne Grehan, CEO of Mayo Local Enteprise Office, were on hand to officially launch the Castlebar Adventure Duathlon at Lough Lannagh recently.
Organisers predict the event will attract hundreds of participants and their supporters to Castlebar on March 14.
There are two courses on offer for the adventure duathlon.
The shorter of the two involves a 29 kilometre route with two 3.5 kilometre runs and a 22 kilometre cycle.
The longer 37 kilometre route consists of running and cycling elements as well as a challenging but scenic trail to the booster station on the outskirts of Castlebar.
The route takes in the tranquil settings of the Lough Lannagh circuit with views of Croagh Patrick before heading out towards Rathbawn and the undulating hills of Glenisland.
The steep four-kilometre ascent to the booster station, which organisers are dubbing the ‘Rooster Booster’, is the most difficult element on the course and presents a formidable challenge for any adventure racer.
Relay options are also available.
The event is sponsored by Shaw Commercials and the Galway Roast. The Royal Theatre and Harlequin Hotel are providing marketing support while the Mayo Advertiser is the media partner.
Many local groups such as Love Castlebar, Civil Defence, Destination Mayo, Castlebar Men’s Shed group, Castlebar Chamber of Commerce, Mayo Sports Partnerships, Mayo County Council, Castlebar Fit for Life, and the Road Safety Authority are also lending their support.
To register, visit www.raceface.ie, or register to raise funds for a charity of your choice at www.mycharity.ie
The event website is www.castlebarduathlon.com Find it on Facebook at Castlebar-Adventure-Duathlon.
