Team Route (55.5k)
Run 10k, Cycle 42.5k, Hike 2k & Kayak 1k *
The WAAR TEAM route will comprise of four categories; RUN, BIKE, HIKE & KAYAK Which will cover the same route as the main WAAR event.
There are two options when entering the Team;
(1) Team of four: where each person undertakes one discipline or
(2) Team of two: where person one does RUN and KAYAK and person two does CYCLE and HIKE
RUN : 10K
The run route will be the same as last year, making up a 10km route. Leaving Naomh Muire GAA club heading through Mullaghdubh on the main road before turning left onto airport road, continue approx 1km to the airport. The run section will enter the airport grounds and onto the airport runway, (watch out for the morning flight) making WAAR the only adventure race in the country to run on a live runway.
Once you have exited the airport grounds the run will continue as per previous years crossing Carrickfinn beach to the Ballymanus road after catching your first glimpse of the Wild Atlantic.
Runners will continue along the road for approx. 1k before turning onto the cross country route around Ballymanus monument and onto Mullaghdearg beach. (Now is the perfect chance to capture some of the stunning views) Leaving the beach with a short, steep run on a sand dune following the course back to the Clubhouse.
The run section is made up of approx 6km road and 4km cross country/beach. Note: All off road sections cross private property which we have been kindly given permission to use on the day. There is no access to this land in the lead up to the event and all competitors are asked to respect this and train elsewhere for the race.
BIKE : 42.5K
Competitors will arrive back from the run and pass the timer to the cyclist who will collect their bikes at the clubhouse grounds at transition area 1 (T1). Leaving T1 the bike route leaves Mullaghdearg heading left along the Wild Atlantic Way towards Kincasslagh. The route will continue along the main road past Keadue, Burtonport and towards Dungloe, approx 16km.
Arriving at 'Top Petrol Station' competitors turn right passing the community hospital and taking a left at the small round-about heading another 16km approx towards Meenaweal chapel through Meenamara and with a steep cycle up Thor. At Meenawheel Chapel all competitors will enter transition area 2. All competitors will be asked to slow down coming into T2 and dismount their bikes. Please note the marshals are there for your safety and failure to slow down or dismount bike before entering the transition area will result in a time penalty.
HIKE : 2K
Racking your bike at T2 the bike competitor will pass the timer to the hiker who, will begin their hike up An Croghan Mór, 1k each way with a time keeper at the top (so no turning back half way) The route is marked by white pegs in the ground with red flags and there will be marshals on the route should a competitor need assistance.
BIKE : 42.5K ... continued
After the Hike the timer will once again be handed to the cyclist who will remount their bike for the final 11km approx. Competitors will take a sharp left after Meenawheel chapel heading towards Loughanure. In the village of Loughanure turn right down the Glen Road towards Annagry and turning left at Annagry following the road back to Naomh Muire clubhouse to transition area 3.
KAYAK : 1K
Back at the clubhouse competitors re-rack their bikes before passing the timer to their team mate, kayak competitors will have an area to wait in T3. Heading the short distance to Mullaghdearg lake adjacent to the football pitch, all competitors will be given a buoyancy aid which must be worn and will be allocated the next available kayak. All kayaks are provided on the day and competitors are not allowed to bring their own. The kayak route will be clearly marked along the lake, there will also be a marshal on the lake should you need assistance.
Finish
After the kayak all team members can run along the football pitch to the finish line together. There will be a holding area for all teams to wait for their kayak competitor. It is your teams responsibility to organise logistics and to have all competitors at the holding area on time.
*distance may change on the day due to circumstances outside of our control.
Timekeepers
Your timer will be given out at registration on Friday evening and it is each teams responsibility to keep their timer on them and hand it back at the finish line. There will be a charge of €80 for lost timers.
