The newly revamped Castlebar Adventure Duathlon on Saturday March 14 was launched at the shores of Lough Lannagh recently by the noted endurance man Gerry Duffy, Gerry Duffy is no stranger to adventure racing and has competed on the circuit many a time, also there to lend her support was Joanne Grehan, CEO of Mayo Local enterprise, stating that this event will be huge for Castlebar.
Castlebar event will be the first of 2015’s adventure duathlons to take place in the west this year. And for those who do not fancy the adventure there is a shorter course option. If you are a cyclist and not a runner or vice versa, there is a plan for you too, with the relay option So there is no excuse not to get involved.
This year’s event also provides the perfect opportunity to raise funds for a cause close to your heart.
You will find the Castlebar Adventure Duathlon on www,mycharity.ie where you can use the event to fundraise for the charity of your choice.
Registration takes place at the Ruby Room at the TF Royal Hotel, this also will be the new start line, where there is plenty of room for family members to wave you off. This year the organisers plan on having a carnival atmosphere at the start line with plenty of family friendly activities to wave off the competitors on the Castlebar Adventure Duathlon course. There will be loads of give-aways and goody bags available and some very special guests.
A course for everyone
There are two courses this year; the short course consists of a 3.5km run, a 22km cycle, and a 3.5km run to finish it off for a total of 29km (relay option is available on this course ). The long course has a 3.5km run, 7km cycle, 8km run up the Booster station, a 15km cycle, and a 3.5km run for a total of 37km.
The initial run for all participants is 3.5km and takes in the picturesque Lough Lannagh incorporating Gym Hill with Croagh Patrick towering majestically in the distance. The first transition to bikes is beside St Patrick’s Boys School at St Brigid’s Crescent.
The bike route heads out to the rolling hills of Rathbawn towards Glenisland, 7k into the bike route the group splits, those heading for some adventure leave their bikes behind and make the 4km ascent of the Booster Station, the Rooster Booster section of the race. With 4km mainly downhill from the Booster Station to the second transition it will offer a great opportunity for everyone to catch their breath and take in the sights before the adventurers will chase their short course duathlon counterparts on the remainder of the 15km cycle to Glenisland and home via the Newport Rd back to transition one.
The final 3.5km run is again the same for all participants with a reverse loop around Lough Lannagh and finishing up near Market Square using the newly opened Greenway.
The race is supported by 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. The sponsors are Shaw Commercials and the Galway Roast and Mayo Advertiser.
Race registration at www.raceface.ie; Charity registration: www.mycharity.ie The events website is www.castlebarduathlon.com
