Stepping up to the plate on Killarney’s adventure race

IT’S arduous, adventurous, occasionally gruelling, but always worth it.

So said the 1,000 competitors that converged on Killarney last weekend to enjoy the ‘Quest Adventure’ race through some of the most breathtaking scenery in Ireland. The constant downpours never stood a chance of dampening the spirits of competitors as they slogged it out in some very testing conditions.

The event is organised as part of the St Patrick’s Day Festival in Killarney and athletes gathered early on Saturday morning to cycle along the ancient pathways of Killarney National Park and the famous Black Valley where competitors ran a section of The Kerry Way, along Cummenduff Glen and through O’Sullivan’s Farm – the last house in the valley.

Next up was a tough incline onto MacGillycuddy’s Reeks and Curraghmore Lake before turning back to complete the trail run transition at Casey’s Farmyard. A final bike ride through the Black Valley and along the challenging Kenmare Road to the finishing line at the Gleneagle Hotel was next. Overall, the race included a 55km ‘Expert Challenge’ with a 33km and 28km race of strength generating great fun and banter along the way.

Mark Nolan powered through the landscape winning the overall race in an incredible new record time of 2:23:56. In second place was Michael Buckley in a time of 2:27:20 - shaving a minute off his time from last year. Third home was well-known Cork triathlete, Mark Wolfe, in a time of 2:30:04. Regina Sheehan was the first lady home in the ‘Expert’ 55km in an amazing time of 2:27:24. In second place was Ger Kelly on a time of 3:04:06.

“Records were broken and the weather was very challenging for the athletes. But we witnessed magnificent racing on Saturday and without the support of the residents of the Black Valley, staff at Killarney National park, Gleneagle Hotel, and local volunteers, the event could not happen,” said Race Organiser Oliver Kirwan from Quest Adventure.

“The atmosphere was simply fantastic with no shortage of good humour and among the athletes. The hardworking organisers added to the great success of the day and it’s all part of the Quest Adventure Experience,” he added.

Photo by Valerie O’Sullivan That’s the ‘stile’… Athletes competing in Quest Killarney March Adventure Race - a one-day multi adventure sport race, through Killarney National Park, along the Kerry Way and the Black Valley.

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Paul O’Neill; Pat Eviston at the bike transition in the Black Valley; Nuala McCarthy Doolan and Seamus Moynihan