Ultimate Guide to the Best Adventure Races in Ireland 2024

Posted on August 24, 2022 at 2:01 pm.

Ireland boasts some of the most exciting and best adventure races you can do.

They will challenge you mentally and physically, but you will have some great fun, meet some great people and take in some of the most amazing sights Ireland has to offer as well.

So it’s a win-win.

And because of their rise in popularity in recent years, most adventure races in Ireland cater for people of all levels and abilities.

This guide is going to list some of our favourite Adventure Races in Ireland for you to try.

What is an Adventure Race?

A multi-discipline race, adventure racing (also known as multi-sport racing) typically comprises trail running/hiking, cycling, and kayaking.

However, any outdoor sport can be a part of an adventure race!

Most, but not all, of the races in Ireland have predetermined courses, so you may enter knowing what to expect.

List of the Best Adventure Races in Ireland

So, in no particular order.

1 Westport Sea2Summit

Date: November 2024

Westport in County Mayo is known as the Adventure capital of the West of Ireland and there is no better way to sign off the Adventure Race season than the Sea2Summit.

You can take the name by face value too, as you literally start the race at sea level and climb to the very top of Croagh Patrick if you choose the Supreme category.

There is also the ‘Spirit’ race, which is a shorter and easier run aimed for runners who may never have done an adventure race before, but also challenging enough for those seeking that.

While the staggered run, split into Beginner, Intermediate and Advance, means you won’t get caught up in the wrong bunch!

Find more information here: https://www.westportsea2summit.ie/

Format: Spirit – 4k run, 8k cycle, 3k Mountain run up Croagh Patrick at half distance (1.5k) and at bottom (3k), 11k cycle, 4k run = total distance 30km

Supreme – 4k run, 8k cycle, 5k Mountain run up Croagh Patrick at half distance(2.5k) and at bottom (5k), 35k cycle hilly cycle at (14K) and end of cycle, 4k run – total distance 56km

2 Gaelforce West

Date: 15 June 2024

One of the most iconic adventure races in Ireland, this will take you through the wildly beautiful rural landscape of Galway and Mayo.

This 66km race will see you traverse through the rugged Wild Atlantic Way, Killary Fjord and the Connemara mountains and give you a serious challenge. They are also hoping to be back on Croagh Patrick for 2024!

There are 6 stages to the 66km route, where you will run, cycle and even kayak for the ultimate experience.

There are specific routes for Expert, Intermediate and Introductory adventure racers, but be warned that all are quite challenging.

Get the full breakdown here: https://gaelforceevents.com/en/gaelforce-west-the-course

Format: Run 18.5 x 3km, cycle 48.5km and kayak 1km along sealed roads, beach, bog, grassland tracks, open mountain and open water – total distance 66km.

3 Quest Killarney

Date: October 12, 2024

This year the organisers are planning Quest Killarney to be ‘bigger, better and more awesome than ever’.

This epic adventure involves racers running and cycling through the Gap of Dunloe, Molls Gap, Black Valley, Ring of Kerry, Torc Waterfall, Devil’s Punchbowl, Mangerton Mountain and Muckross House as well as kayaking across the Muckross Lake in Killarney National Park.

The real beauty of Quest Killarney is more than just the amazing scenery the Kingdom offers, it’s the range of difficulty levels it offers.

You can choose from 5 distances, starting from the basic 32km challenging up to the 85km Expert.

You can choose routes that will road run, trail run, cycle and kayak (optional) and test you at all levels.

Check it out here: https://www.questadventureseries.com/races/quest-killarney/race-info/

Format:

	Cycle	Run	Kayak	New Total Distance	Previous Distance	Difference
Expert	54.9	29.5	1	85.4	83.2	2.2
Pro	54.9	22.2	1	78.1	73	5.1
Dual	55.8	14.3	0	70.1	65	5.1
Sport	45.3	15.7	1	62	55.6	6.4
Challenge	21.1	10	1	32.1	25.7	6.4

4 Coast to Coast

Date: Currently not scheduled for 2024

This is as tough and extreme as Adventure Races come in Ireland.

You start in the seaside town of Enniscrone in Sligo and finish in Newcastle, Down, covering a total of 315.km on foot, nike and kayak.

Described as ‘Ireland’s toughest multisport race’, the Coast to Coast adventure race requires a support crew for entries and can be difficult to do, so this isn’t designed for your everyday racer.

Unfortunately, the Coast-To-Coast is not currently scheduled for 2024.

Format: Stage 1 Bike Enniscrone to Ballinamore – 108km Stage 2 Kayak Ballinamore to Ballyconnell – 26.5km Stage 4 Run Rostrevor to Newcastle – 40km Stage 3 Bike Ballyconnell to Rostrevor – 141km

5 Quest Glendalough

Date: April 6 2024

You will run, cycle and kayak around the beautiful Wicklow Mountains while taking in the amazing Glendalough Valley and monastic Round Tower.

It’s ideally suited for beginner runners, as well as those higher-level racers seeking a tough challenge.

Three stages that will challenge and entertain in equal measure: https://www.questadventureseries.com/races/quest-glendalough/

Format:

21km Challenge

Stage		Distance	Elevation
Stage 1	Cycle	13	216
Stage 2	Run	4	55
Stage 3	Kayak	1	0
Stage 4	Run	4	46
Total		22	317

43km Sports

Stage		Distance KM	Elevation M
State 1	Cycle	6	257
Stage 2	Run	6	225
Stage 3	Cycle	20	227
Stage 4	Run	6	182
Stage 5	Kayak	1	0
Stage 6	Run	4	46
Total		43	937

59km Expert

Stage	Type	Distance KM	Elevation M
State 1	Cycle	6.00	257
Stage 2	Run	6	225
Stage 3	Cycle	13	522
Stage 4	Run	5	271
Stage 5	Cycle	18	232
Stage 6	Run	6	182
Stage 7	Kayak	1	0
Stage 8	Run	4	46
Total		59.00	1735

Check out the route information here.

6 Quest Kenmare

Date: March 9 2024 (subject to change)

The breath-taking Beara Peninsula mountains and the quaint boutiques of Kenmare Town are both included in Quest Kenmare.

Moreover, you can test yourself by cycling and kayaking across the breath-taking mountains and valleys.

Suitable for all levels of adventurers, Quest Kenmare is generally the first race of the year and we can’t think of a better one to start off on.

Check it out here: https://www.questadventureseries.com/races/quest-kenmare/

Format:

28km Challenge

STAGE	DISCIPLINE	DISTANCE KM	ELEVATION M
Stage 1	CYCLE	7.00	195
Stage 2	RUN	8.00	297
Stage 3	CYCLE	10.00	60
Stage 4	Run	1.00	1
Stage 5	Kayak	1.00	0
Stage 6	Run	1.10	10
Total		28.10	563

43km Sport

STAGE	DISCIPLINE	DISTANCE KM	ELEVATION M
Stage 1	CYCLE	18.00	324
Stage 2	RUN	8.00	371
Stage 3	CYCLE	14.20	72
Stage 4	RUN	1.00	1
Stage 5	KAYAK	1.00	0
Stage 6	RUN	1.10	10
Total		43.30	778

46km Dual

STAGE	DISCIPLINE	DISTANCE KM	ELEVATION M
Stage 1	CYCLE	26.00	447
Stage 2	RUN	7.50	300
Stage 3	CYCLE	10.00	237
Stage 4	RUN	2.10	11
Total		45.60	995

78km Expert

STAGE	DISCIPLINE	DISTANCE KM	ELEVATION M
Stage 1	CYCLE	26.00	460
Stage 2	RUN	7.50	288
Stage 3	CYCLE	19.00	268
Stage 4	RUN	8.00	371
Stage 5	CYCLE	14.20	72
Stage 6	RUN	1.00	1
Stage 7	KAYAK	1.00	0
Stage 8	RUN	1.10	10
Total		77.80	1470

7 Wild Atlantic Adventure Race

Date: May 11 2024

Go to WAAR!

For both seasoned and experienced competitors to compete and challenge their own times and goals, there is the WAAR (Wild Atlantic Adventure Race).

The purpose of the event is to encourage everyone to engage in physical activity that promotes better mental health as well as to enhance the local economy by drawing visitors to the area throughout the weekend.

Check it out here: https://www.waar.ie/home

Format: There are four main categories offered by WAAR: Individual WAAR Route, Team (4 people or 2 people), and Sprint.

Conclusion

We know we’ve left out some really popular Adventure Races in this list, so feel free to let us know your favourites.

If you’re not up for an Adventure Race just yet, why not try trail running?
We’ve a blog on some of the best trails in Ireland right here?

Otherwise, check out our running category for some great deals.

Enjoy the adventure!

Win Tickets & Gear to Connacht Vs Sale Sharks

Posted on August 22, 2022 at 1:36 pm.

Written by Intersport Elverys

CLOSED! Win Tickets & Gear worth €250 for you and your family/friends for this Friday’s game against Sale Sharks in Dubarry Park, Athlone.

Should I wear a Knee Support while Running

Posted on August 17, 2022 at 2:51 pm.

Written by Ger Flanagan

If you’re a runner, then there is a good chance you have suffered knee pain at some stage in the past. If you have, then you’ve probably considered a knee support to help?

Knee trouble is so common with runners because of the wear and tear of high intensity, high mileage running.

When it comes, it can be a nightmare to deal with and downright painful too.

But wearing a knee brace can help.

Remember: Prevention is better than Cure!

In this blog we’ll go into further detail on how it can help you run pain free for years.

Should I wear a Knee Brace while Running

Whether you have a knee injury or not, wearing a knee brace will give you extra support.

Particularly if you’re doing high mileage during your training blocks and want to take some impact pressure off your knee joints to make sure you’re 100% for the race.

Plus, the last thing you want is for knee pain to disrupt your training schedule and potentially put you out of action.

How to Buy a Knee Brace

Because knee braces come in all different shapes and sizes, it’s important to get the right one for you.

So firstly, consult your physio, especially if you have pain or feel a niggle coming.

Check out our blog on How to Stay Injury Free While Running HERE.

They will be able to consult you about buying a traditional style knee brace, one with extra support or a medial, hinged or patellar knee brace.

Some key things to lookout for are:

Adjustable support
Breathable material
Flexible side stabilisers
Open patella design

Types of Knee Brace

Compression Sleeve Knee Brace

The most basic amount of support is provided by a compression sleeve. Since they are typically safe to wear when you have any form of pain, these are typically the first type that most runners look for.

Simply a tight sleeve around the joint, this kind of brace prevents the accumulation of edema and enhances the joint’s ability to move independently in space. Additionally, even though this brace is the least bulky, it provides the least support.

Patellar Knee Brace

The patellar brace is the next tier of support.

It relieves pressure on the tendon and directs the patella (knee cap) to track in a straighter pattern.

It is similar to the sleeve but has a thicker area that affects the kneecap. These are frequently used for patellofemoral discomfort and problems with the patellar tendon.

Medial & Lateral Support Knee Brace

The medial/lateral support braces are the highest level of support. These have sturdy, hinged sections that aid in preventing knee buckling.

They serve as defense against sprains and tears for the knee’s ligaments, particularly the medial and lateral collateral ligaments.

By defending against rotational pressures, they also safeguard the ACL.

The bulkiest of the group, these are often constructed of hard plastic, feature straps, and are heavy.

In addition, there is a “off-loading” brace for meniscus injuries that relieves pressure on the medial or lateral meniscus following a meniscus injury, surgery, or when arthritis is present.

Conclusion

Generally, a knee support is not something you want to rely on consistently either.

Being used as a stop-gap, intermittently through your training and to treat/prevent injury is the right time.

If you need it 100% of the time, then it is definitely a sign to go see a doctor, or maybe explore other forms of cardio.

We have a wide range of knee braces available on our site or instore.

But don’t forget to do your research and speak to a professional before making the final purchase.

If you are just starting your running journey, check out our Beginners Guide To Running HERE.

How to remove Water from your Ear after Swimming?

Posted on August 16, 2022 at 10:35 am.

Written by Ger Flanagan

There are few things more satisfying than a swim, especially in hot weather. However, there’s few things more annoying than not knowing how to remove water from you ear after swimming too.

When water gets trapped in your ear canal, you can struggle to hear correctly and feel a really annoying ticking sensation in your ear, jaw and mouth.

Whether it’s excess ear wax or a narrower ear canal, water can get trapped for a multitude of reasons, but if you’re lucky it will drain itself out.

However, that’s often not the case.

The longer it stays in there, the greater chance of a painful ear infection too!

Of course, don’t let this put you off swimming, because this blog will tell you all the Health Benefits of Swimming.

So that’s why we’re going to share our Top 10 Tips for how to remove water from your ear after swimming.

Removing Water from Ear After Swimming Top Tips

1. Move the Earlobe

The first approach can immediately shake the water out of your ear.

Tilt your head lower toward your shoulder and gently tug or jiggle your earlobe.

While in this position, you might also try swaying your head from side to side.

2. Use Gravity

Gravity should aid in the water leaving your ear using this method.

Spend a few minutes on your side with your head resting on a towel to absorb the water. Your ear may start to gently empty of water.

3. Use Suction

The vacuum produced by this technique might suck the water out.

Leaning your head to one side, place your cupped palm over your ear to form a tight seal.

Gently and quickly move your palm in a back and forth motion toward your ear, flattening it as you move and cupping it as you pull away.

To let the water drain, tilt your head downward.

4. The Hair Dryer Treatment

The water in your ear canal may be helped to evaporate by the heat from a blow dryer.

Your blow dryer should be on the lowest setting.

Move the hair dryer back and forth while holding it about a foot away from your ear.

Pull down on your earlobe and let the warm air in.

5. Alcohol and Vinegar Ear Drops

The water in your ear may evaporate with the aid of alcohol.

Additionally, it serves to stop the development of germs, which can aid in avoiding infection.

The vinegar might aid in removing any earwax accumulation that may be the cause of the trapped water.

To make eardrops, combine vinegar and alcohol in equal amounts.
Apply three to four drops of this mixture to each ear using a sterile dropper.
Gently rub your ear’s outside.
After 30 seconds, turn your head to the side to allow the solution to drain.
Use caution if you have any of the following conditions:
a middle ear illness
an eardrum perforation, tympanostomy tubes (eardrum tubes)
Purchase vinegar and rubbing alcohol online.

6. Purchase Eardrops

Water may be being trapped in your ear by dirt and earwax, which can be removed with hydrogen peroxide solutions.

Online stores sell eardrops that dissolve earwax using a carbamide peroxide solution (a mixture of urea and hydrogen peroxide).

Use caution if you have any of the following conditions:

middle ear infection symptoms include discomfort, edema, warmth, drainage, and bleeding from the ear.
an eardrum perforation, tympanostomy tubes (eardrum tubes)

7. Olive Oil

Olive oil can keep water out of your ears and help you avoid ear infections.

In a small bowl, warm some olive oil. To check the temperature, apply a few drops to the inside of your wrist.

Put a few drops of the oil into the troubled ear using a clean dropper.

Spend about ten minutes lying on your other side, then sit up and droop one ear.

The oil and water ought to drain away.

8. Drink More Water

Although it may seem absurd, this method truly works to remove water from your ear.

While lying on your side, use a clean dropper to dispense water into the affected ear.

Turn over with the afflicted ear facing down after waiting 5 seconds.

The water should drain away completely.

9. Chew or Yawn

Moving your mouth can occasionally aid in releasing water that has been lodged in your eustachian tubes.

To release tension in your eustachian tubes, yawn or chew gum in a really exaggerated manner.

10. Do the Valsalva

A closed eustachian tube may be opened with this technique.

Take care not to blow too forcefully as your ear drum may be harmed by this.

Draw a deep breath.

Next, close your mouth and use your fingers to firmly seal your nostrils.

Exhale slowly through your nose. A popping noise indicates that the eustachian tubes have expanded.

How to Prevent Water Going in your Ear

Remember, prevention is always a better idea than cure.

So to avoid water going in our eyes, why not try earplugs or a swim cap?

See a Doctor

If any or all of the above tips don’t help you remove the water from your ear, then don’t hesitate to seek some medical help from a trained professional.

Especially if the water is still not going after two or 3 days as the chance of infection will have increased greatly.

And you don’t want to suffer any long-term damage!

Conclusion

We know how annoying having water stuck in your ear is, so we hope these tips helped you.

If you know any other method that could help solve the issue, make sure to let us know in the comments.

Why not check out our blog on the Benefits of Sea Swimming Before you go?

How Good is Jogging: The Benefits

Posted on August 3, 2022 at 11:41 am.

Written by Ger Flanagan

People always ask: how good is jogging and does it compare to running?

That’s because some believe jogging is less serious than running because you don’t get the same mental and physical exhaustion.

Well, we believe that that opinion is wrong and we’re going to tell you why!

Firstly, jogging is basically running no matter how you look at it.

And secondly, it is fun, friendly and easier on the body.

If you want to know more about running, check out our Ultimate Beginners Guide here.

If not, read on and we’ll give you seven benefits to jogging.

Jogging vs Running

A jog is essentially a run at a slow pace, whether it be for recovery or for individuals who don’t care about paces at all.

A jog is generally regarded as a low- to moderate-intensity exercise because it requires only about 60% of your maximum heart rate and should allow you to easily carry on a conversation.

Obviously the pace of the job is completely subjective to the person and that person’s ability.

But here’s the good thing about jogging..

PACE DOES NOT MATTER!

So just get out there and enjoy it.

Is Jogging Good for you?

Jogging is a thorough workout that also gets the body ready for other physical activities and an intense workout.

You might be shocked to learn that jogging benefits your health in ways other than merely aiding in weight loss.

Without being overly demanding, it aids in increasing physical stamina and endurance. It maintains the health of the heart and mind in addition to strengthening the bones and muscles.

The following summary of jogging’s numerous health advantages is provided:

How Good is Jogging: 7 Benefits

1. Jogging Promotes Weight Loss

300 calories are easily burned during a 30-minute jog.

Jogging increases metabolism and is more efficient than walking alone. Jogging increases metabolism and is more efficient than walking alone. The excess inches you’ve always wanted to lose will vanish with a good diet and consistent running. Jogging not only helps you lose weight but also keeps it off.

2. It Lifts Your Spirit

A mile may seem like a marathon on certain days.

A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry indicated that moderate-intensity exercise, such as quick walking (or, ahem, jogging), can reduce the risk of depression even if you’re barely pushing your speed.

A previous study that was published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise indicated that just 30 minutes of jogging might significantly improve someone with depression’s mood.

According to new research published in Medicine and Science in Sports & Exercise, moderate exercise, especially when there aren’t great expectations associated to the activity, has the ability to reduce anxiety and stress long after your workout.

3. Beneficial to the Heart

Running is a great cardiovascular exercise that improves heart health. It helps ward against illnesses including heart disease.

Jogging makes sure that blood is pumped to the heart more quickly, which helps to keep blood pressure stable.

Blood sugar and cholesterol levels are also in check.

4. Jogging Aids in Better Sleep

You probably already know that engaging in regular exercise might help you fall asleep faster and sleep better.

In fact, a study in the journal Sleep Medicine revealed that persons who typically slept fewer than six and a half hours per night reported clocking an additional 75 minutes of sleep every night (more than any drug, FYI) after engaging in moderate-intensity exercises like running or walking.

A further study that was published in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that just 30 minutes of weekly running for three weeks was sufficient to improve sleep and lessen daytime sleepiness.

5. Makes Bones Stronger

Jogging has the benefit of preserving bone health.

The bones are subjected to some stress and load when you start jogging.

Jogging gets the bones ready for the extra stress they start to experience on a regular basis.

If you want to learn how to stay injury free when jogging or running, check out this blog.

Running builds bone density and guards against fractures. It increases bone density and prevents conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, and osteoarthritis.

Additionally, it strengthens the spine’s and the hip’s bones.

6. It’s good craic!

I believe we can all agree that moving your body outside is a fantastic time. None of us would be doing it if it weren’t.

Few activities you can do almost every day will leave you feeling as accomplished and rejuvenated as jogging, whether you do it alone or with companions.

Don’t worry about the labelling, then. Do not worry about the figures in any way. Just keep going outside and having fun.

7. Jogging Helps You Live Longer

No amount of exercise is going to make you live forever, but low-intensity jogs two or three times a week—for a total of 60 to 145 minutes for the week—were found to be the best way to increase longevity, according to research published in The Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

More specifically, jogging could reduce your risk of dying early from any cause by 30 percent, and from heart attack or stroke by 45 percent, reports one scientific review.

Conclusion

We love running and jogging at Intersport Elverys, so Go Get it!

We hope we have given you a small bit of knowledge in this blog.

Now it’s up to you.

Shop our brilliant Running range below for some fantastic products.