Gruelling Waterfront Adventure Race around Cork Harbour set to launch

A gruelling new multi-sport adventure race in and around Cork Harbour which includes a kayak to Spike Island will be staged next month.

The first Cork WAR (Waterfront Adventure Race) event will test competitors’ stamina to the limits, with cycling, running, kayaking, obstacle courses and adventure trails, through underground tunnels and historic forts.

Organiser Peter Conway said it was an adventure race like no other. “We are delighted to partner with Console Suicide Awareness to encourage people to get out and be active,” he said.

The Cork WAR, on April 16, offers simultaneous races — a 43km Sport Race, for people of good fitness, and a 70km Elite Race, which is a tougher challenge.

Both routes start at the Marina, near Páirc Uí Chaoimh, with a 10km run along a flat course, through Lough Mahon to Passage West, where competitors will switch to bikes for a cycle to Ringaskiddy.

They will then kayak across the channel to Spike Island, for a run around the fort’s moat to tackle an assault course, before kayaking back to their bikes, to cycle to Carrigaline, where the routes then split.

Sport Race competitors will take a sharp right and embark on a tough climb, before a fast descent down Coach Hill, to rejoin the Rochestown Road and the old Passage railway, for the journey back to The Marina, with a surprise in the final stage.

But Elite Race competitors will follow the old Crosshaven railway line to the grounds of the Royal Cork Yacht Club, for a run stage along Lovers’ Walk, and along the coast, with a steep climb up to Camden Fort Meagher.

The route then takes competitors through underground tunnels and up hundreds of steps, along beaches, cliffs, fields and winding country roads, before they get back on their bikes to return to the Marina.

The routes will be marshalled and professionally timed. Tickets for the Sport Race, which cost €55, and the Elite Race, which cost €80, include secure bike lock-up, kayak hire, entry to a massage tent, post-event refreshments and a commemorative sport top.

Register at www.corkwar.ie.