Quest Glendalough is a one-day multi-adventure sports race and is part of Quest Adventure Series Ireland. The race involves running, and cycling across the spectacular mountains, valleys of Wicklow. Choose from 3 challenging routes, in one of the most epic locations in Ireland- 22.4KM Challenge, 40KM Sport  63.1KM Expert .

Be part of the best adventure race series in the world. You’ve never done anything like this before.

Your entry fee covers all the costs associated with staging the event such as marshalling, traffic management, medical support, route development etc. Registration fees cover the following;
– Fully-marshalled course
– A customised finisher’s medal
– A Quest-branded piece of gear e.g training t-shirt/fleece
– Great finish line atmosphere & food voucher
– Prizes in each category for winners

When
18th April 2026

Where
Glendalough, Co. Wicklow

How much:

€95 to €110

“Please note online booking registration fee applies to each event. In addition, a National Park fee is charged for the upkeep and maintenance of the local area

2026 Wave Times TBC

Pre-event online registration

All competitors must pre-register online before the race. There is no registration on the week of the event.

Race Pack Collection

Friday 17th April: 4pm to 9pm

Saturday 18th April: 7am to 9am

Location: Laragh GAA, Laragh, Co. Wicklow 

*Please note if you are collecting your race pack on Saturday morning you must collect it at least 1 hour before your wave start.

At registration please present the e-mail confirmation you received when you registered online.

Your race pack includes:

Bib Number with timing chip – Race info doc– Bike sticker – safety pins.

Race Start 

All competitors will start at Laragh GAA. Your mandatory kit will be checked before the race. If you do not have the required mandatory kit you will not be allowed to partake in the race.

The race will start and finish at Laragh GAA pitch.
There will be hot food for all participants.

Bike collection
Competitors can collect their bikes from the secure bike racking area when they present their race bib number which will correspond with their bike sticker number.

Car parking
• All race parking is close to the start line – Follow signs and marshal directions.
• No participant is permitted to park at OPW/ Visitor Centre Car Park or the Glendalough Hotel – No Exceptions.
• Exit from Car Park at Laragh GAA will not be possible until 1pm

Expert
Overall male & female 1st, 2nd & 3rd
Over 40s 1st male & female
Over 50s 1st male & female

Sport
Overall male & female 1st, 2nd & 3rd
Over 40s 1st male & female
Over 50s 1st male & female

Challenge
Overall male & female 1st, 2nd & 3rd
Over 40s 1st male & female
Over 50s 1st male & female

Please note: If you think you are in with a chance of winning any prize* in any category you must start in the elite wave of that category. This allows a fair race for all concerned but all waves will be included in real race time final results.

*One prize per person.

Adventure Racing Ireland rules and guidelines apply to this event. Click here for full details.

• Once entered no refunds, transfers or credit can be offered for cancellations for the events
• Come to the start line early and ready to race with your bib number attached.
• Mandatory Kit must be worn or carried as specified for all stages of the event – Penalties will be applied for violations.
• Cycles must be have flashing front (white) and rear (red) lights.
• There are no road closures for cycling routes – competitors must follow road traffic laws and marshal directions.
• All competitors must cycle on the left hand side of the road at any time. Overtaking of slower competitors must be done on their right only and should only be attempted in a safe situation with no oncoming traffic, showing courtesy to other road users and residents.
• Overtaking that involves crossing of a solid white line is forbidden by the rules of the road and will result in disqualification.
• Checkpoints must be visited in the correct order and all competitors must follow the prescribed route,
• No external assistance with pacing, food, drinks, bike repairs etc. No supporters are permitted on any race routes except at TA1 (Laragh GAA) 
• Please assist any fellow competitor who may be in difficulty and report it to the closest race marshal.
• TT bikes or bikes fitted with Tri Bars of any type may not be used.
• The Race Director’s decision is final in event of any dispute.
• Littering or disrespect to the local environment will result in instant disqualification.
• Competitors will be asked to dismount their bikes in dismount zones and stop at mandatory stop junctions along the route. Failure to do so will lead to disqualification.

Mandatory Kit

Compulsory to be carried on all stages:

• Basic First Aid Kit (Min: 1 x Dressing Pad (field dressing)), Bandage, Plasters.
• Map of the route (included in your race pack).
• Survival blanket and whistle.
• Mobile phone with race day emergency contact number saved
• Long sleeve jacket.
• Appropriate food and drink.
• Cycle helmet, bike repair kit, spare tube, pump. To be carried on the bike stages only.
• Hat, gloves. Dependent on the weather conditions
• ·    Suitable footwear – trail runners are recommended. Whilst clip in bike shoes are not forbidden it is “Strongly Recommended ” that they are not used. All Routes contain a significant section in the bike section where you will need to walk or run with your bike downhill for up to 800 meters. These sections will not be suitable for those wearing clip in bike shoes.

Penalties for not carrying mandatory kit:

• 1 minute penalty, per stage, for non-compliance with mandatory kit rules. e.g. 5 Stage Race = 5 min penalty.
• Where none of the specified mandatory kit items are carried at any stage of the race then the person involved will be disqualified
• Mandatory kit will be checked before the race starts.
• Spot checks for mandatory kit will be implemented in transition areas and as you cross the finish line.

Glendalough is one of the most spectacular locations in the world. The course encompasses areas of special conservation, national park and environmental sensitive bog and woodland. It is the objective of all competitors to leave it the way they find it and ensure adventure racing is a environmentally sustainable sport. We are extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to hold the race in the national park and we are sure it will be one of the elements of the event you will remember. We aim to minimize the impact the race has on residents and families in the proximity of the race route. We appreciate fully their cooperation in the running of the event. It is of paramount importance that all competitors respect the following environmental policy:

• Competitors must keep to the defined route and do not take short cuts.
• Any competitors found littering will be automatically disqualified.
• Respect the environment.

• How do I register for the Race? 
  You can register for the race online. There are limited places available. Register early to guarantee your place.
• What does the registration fee include?
  -Customised finisher’s medal – Customised event clothing  – Prizes in all categories – Free food voucher. – A great atmosphere and a fun day out– – Fully marshalled course.
• Is there a bag drop facility available? 
  Unfortunately we are unable to provide bag drop facilities at the events.
• What type bike should I use? 
  The choice of bike is an individual choice. The most suitable bike would be a road bike with Gator Skin tyres and least suitable would be a Mountain Bike. You will start on your bike so bring it with you to the start line.
• Do I need any specialist equipment? 
  Apart from the basics (bike, running shoes, mandatory kit) you do not need any specialist equipment. 
• Do I have to have any specialist map reading or mountain skill to compete in the race? 
  No. You will be provided with a map. The route is marked out with signs and race Marshalls will also be on hand along the route.
• What is your refund policy? 
  When entering the event it is part of the terms and conditions that it is a non-refundable payment policy.
• Is there any water available along the route? 
  The exact locations of water stops will be highlighted on the map given to you at registration and will be refill only. You will be required to bring water with you for the duration of the race.
• How is the race timed? 
  Your race time and your progress through each stage is timed using a timing chip which is attached to your bib number.

• Can I compete in the race as a team? 
  No. You can register as part of a team but there is no formal team race.

• How can I contact Quest Glendalough if I have any more questions? 
• Feel free to contact us with any questions by emailing info@eliteevents.ie or call the Quest Team on 087 6024621

• Can I listen to my iPod/music during the race? 
  No. It is extremely dangerous to listen to music whilst cycling as the roads are not closed and are open to local traffic.

• Can I raise money for charity? 
  Yes. We encourage everybody to raise money for charity.

• What Items are included in the mandatory kit? 
  It is vital that all competitors bring the following mandatory kit list with them from the start.

Mandatory Kit

• Basic First Aid Kit (Min: 1 x Dressing Pad (field dressing)), Bandage, Plasters.
• Map of the route (included in your race pack).
• Survival blanket and whistle.
• Mobile phone with race day emergency contact number saved
• Appropriate food and drink. There will be limited water re-filling points on the course.
• Cycle helmet, bike repair kit, spare tube, pump.
• Hat, gloves and waterproof jacket.
• Suitable footwear.
• Backpack or bum bag.
• All kit will be checked before the race

• How do I make changes to my registration?
  If you would like to make changes to your registration (i.e. transfer your place to next year etc.) please email info@eliteevents.ie
  However, please note that 3 weeks before the event we can no longer enable transfers, name changes, changes to waves, or any other such changes relating to your registratio

It is vital that all competitors bring the following mandatory kit list with them from the start.

• Basic First Aid Kit, to include a minimum of 1 dressing pad (field dressing), roll bandage, plasters.
• Map of the route (included in your race pack).
• Survival blanket and whistle.
• Mobile phone with race day emergency contact number saved
• Appropriate food and drink. There will be limited water re-filling points on the course.
• Cycle helmet, bike repair kit, spare tube, pump.
• Hat and buff, gloves and waterproof jacket (sleeveless jacket is not acceptable).
• Suitable footwear (trail runners are recommended).
• Front and back bike lights.

Cut off Times

Cut-offs are the times and locations where you will need to change your planned route if you arrive late to a certain location.

Cut-offs are in place for the benefit of everyone taking part and helping out on the day, to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience, including our marshalls! Please take note of their instructions, your co-operation is much appreciated.

2026 Cut off times TBC