Get Gritty at Gael Force
25.04.2007
Ireland’s rugged West coast has some of the most inspiring, surprising and challenging terrain around the British Isles ... and it’s the setting for the second Gael Force West adventure race and Festival this summer.The inaugural 2006 event, run by Detail Events on behalf of the Irish Tourist Board, Failte Ireland, was hailed as a real classic by those that took part in both the 1 day multi sport “GF6†event and the longer stage race – “GF12â€, which will have an international entry.
The steep mountains, island studded bays, lakes, rivers and quiet country lanes are a dream setting for an adventure race and until last year, they were totally untapped. For 2007 the event has increased the number of entries in both adventure race events in response to the sell-out experienced last year, to allow more people to come and savour the flavour of this stunning part of the Emerald Isle.
There are 2 choices for the adventurer: GF6 is a one day way-marked multi sport race with biking, running and kayaking and is set over exactly the same course as last year, starting with a run from the beaches south west of little Killary and then up to and across Killary harbour via the kayak stage. Then it’s onto the bikes for a fast road section to the foot of the Holy Mountain – Crough Patrick.
From there it’s homeward bound on the bikes to Westport House and the event centre, where all manner of adventure based entertainment, music and food are laid on for the general public. Entry to GF6 is 75 euros per racer. You can race solo or as a pair or team and total distance over the course is 65km.
Gael Force 12 will see mixed teams of four embarking on an expedition-style course with 4 x 12-hour stages covering 250km over a total 72 hour period. Disciplines will include mountain biking, trekking, rope-work, kayaking and navigation ... sleep will be optional.
The race is unsupported and the entry fee will be 220 Euro per head, including all race logistics and boat provision plus camping accommodation provided after the night stage during the event.
There will be post event parties at the end of both GF6 and GF12, ensuring that all who visit avail themselves of that traditional Irish craic and te event will again be televised and shown on the UK\'s Channel 4 and many international stations and sports shows.
Full race information can be found at the event website at www.gaelforcewest.ie, or you can email info@gaelforcewest.ie for further information.
Online entry is now live for 2007.
