Gaelforce adventure race a great success!

By Brendan Grehan

ON SATURDAY, almost 1,000 adventure athletes tackled the Gaelforce East adventure race on its maiden outing in South Dublin.

The demanding race saw competitors cycling to Bohernabreena Reservoir from Tallaght Stadium, where they faced a kayak on the reservoir.

 

They then ran up Kippure Mountain before returning to the finish line at Tallaght Stadium. There were two distances open to participants; 29km and 49km.

The winners of the 49km race were Barry Cronin in 2:45:16 and Aine Mahony in 3:05:33 in the men’s and women’s race respectively. Ian Martin won the men’s 29km race in 1:56:52, with Caroline Conway coming first in the women’s 29km race in 2:02:21.

The athletes who kayaked across the reservoir will be part of a select few as it was the first time people were allowed to kayak across the reservoir. It was made available with special permission from Dublin City Council and is not generally allowed.

The prizes were specially crafted bog oak statues for the winners in each category.

Sherri Brennan, President of South Dublin Chamber told The Echo that the chamber was delighted to welcome Gaelforce to Dublin for the first time.

She added: “ As an organisation tasked with promoting South Dublin, this was an ideal opportunity to showcase the beautiful surroundings of the county to visitors from across Ireland. Congratulations to all those who completed this daunting, but rewarding, challenge!”

The Mayor of South Dublin, Councillor Guss O’Connell was present at the race. He told The Echo: “The county has so much on offer for those who like outdoor pursuits.

“We are in a unique position of having the city and the mountains on our doorstep, rural and urban and the advantages that both can offer to visitors and residents.

“The event was a tremendous success for the county and I would like to congratulate all involved.”

It was a sell-out event and it looks likes Gaelforce Dublin will be back next year.

Ciara Young from Killary Gaelforce said: “What a fantastic day and amazing achievemens by all competitors of the inaugural, sell-out, Gaelforce Dublin adventure race.

“Competitors travelled from all over the country to complete the 49km or 29km courses, they were both tough, but we hope the landscape made up for some of the steep hills!

“We can’t wait to be back next year for the 2018 event,” she added