Let the adventures begin!
WHILE we’re still in the period of New Year’s resolutions, those who resolved to get a bit fitter or be a little bit more adventurous will have the ideal opportunity as the countdown is now on for this year’s Slaney Valley Adventure Race.
This is the second year of the event, a fundraiser for Ballyhogue GAA Club. Last year saw some 150 people battle it out on bikes, in kayaks and on foot and this year organisers are hopeful of an even bigger turnout. This year’s race will take almost the same format as last year, setting off from the community centre in Bree. From there it’s on towards Wilton Castle before taking a left for Ballinavary. At the next junction, it’s past the grotto and onto Killurin at which point the route heads fro Kyle Cross. The next road to the left will lead competitors to the next section where they drop the bikes and hop into the kayaks for a 1km paddle up the Slaney. From here it’s back on the bikes again for an 8km cycle up to Bree where competitors will finish with a 6.5km run around Bree Hill.
‘It’s almost the same format as last year,’ said Joanne Rochford, one of the organisers. ‘Last year was a good start and we’re hopeful that this year will be even bigger and more people will get involved. We’ve had a good few enquiries, even before Christmas, so hopefully it will go really well.’
Competitors will be let off in stages from around 10 a.m. with registration at Bree Hall from 9 a.m. A number of prizes will be up for grabs for those recording the best times. Among them will be first man, first woman and first team. The cost of entry is €50 with rates available for teams. For more information, see the race Facebook page.