Thrill-seekers to descend on town for adventure race

MORE than 300 adventure seekers are set to arrive in west Cork next weekend for a gruelling endurance test involving everything from running to cycling, kayaking and climbing.

Skibbereen will host Munster’s biggest adventure event next weekend

It is envisaged that the Southcoast Adventure Race will put some of the country’s top athletes through their paces.

The challenge involves a 4.5km run through mixed terrain, a 34km cycle along the Atlantic coast, a 200m climb over Lough Hyne, Ireland’s only Marine Wildlife Reservation, a 2km kayak on the Ilen River, a 1.5km road race and an assault course.

It’s the second year of the challenge and entries have already exceeded last year’s registration with more than 300 competitors already signed up.

The high level of entries is also translating into extra business for the town of Skibbereen with many B&Bs booked out for the weekend.

Peter Cawley, chief organiser of the Southcoast Adventure Race, said organisers were thrilled by the level of interest: “Although many are returning from last year we have a very high number of new entries who fancy their chances. We have athletes travelling from all over Ireland to take part and push themselves to their limits and it is fair to say that this course will do just that!”

Registration will open on Friday next from 3pm until late.

* www.southcoastendurance.ie