Road racing cyclist Padraig Marrey and Tri-athlete Dave Sands sponsored by the Carlton Atlantic Coast Hotel Westport combined strengths to win the 2 persons team event. This is Ireland’s only times adventure race and it looks set to be overwhelmed for next year.
Padraig and Dave also finished 3rd at 3.41 hrs and 4th at 3.42hrs overall respectively.
The event comprised of 65k of energy sapping cross country disciplines, starting with a 12k road /cross country run, 1.6k kayak, 3.5k road /cross country run, 30k hilly cycle , climb up and down of Croagh Patrick Mountain, 10k cross country cycle and finishing up with a 1.5k obstacle trek through the woods.
Each participant wore a timing chip which was used to accurately time each section of the event, so participants could see which section they were most prominent on.
It shows that cycling and Triathlon fitness carries over to nearly any endurance event.
Anyone thinking of having a go at this event for next year (2008) look out for Padraig’s training days/evening that are especially designed to help participants to overcome any fears they have about the event. Anyone interested in a real challenge should have a look at GF6 for next year. See: www.gaelforcewest.ie