Quest Glendalough is a one-day multi-adventure sports race and is part of Quest Adventure Series Ireland. The race involves running, cycling and kayaking across the spectacular mountains, valleys and lakes of Wicklow. Choose from 3 challenging routes, in one of the most epic locations in Ireland- Challenge 21km, Sport 43km and the Expert 59km.

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;
– kayak rental & equipment
– fully-marshalled course
– a customised finisher’s medal
– a Quest-branded piece of gear e.g training t-shirt/fleece
– free after party and food voucher
– prizes in each category for winners
– a great atmosphere and a fun day out

When
1st April 2023

Where
Glendalough, Co. Wicklow

How much:

TBC

“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.

Pre-event online registration

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

Race Pack Collection

Friday 31st March: 5pm to 9pm

Saturday 1st April: 7am to 9am

Location: Brockagh Centre, Laragh, Co Wicklow, A98 D3H1

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:

Timing dibber – Race map – Bib number – Bike sticker All competitors must register online before the race. There is no registration on the day of the event.

Race Start 

All competitors will start at Laragh. 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 a recovery zone and 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) or the final run stage from the kayak to the finish line.
•  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.
• 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.

 Buy Mandatory Kit

Cut off Times (TBC, subject to change for 2023)

Sport Route:

• Cut-off point 1:  13.00 in TA1 (Laragh GAA transition). Anyone leaving the transition after this time will follow the Challenge run route at low level to the Upper Lake to complete the kayak stage and then onto the final run stage to the finish line.
• Cut off point 2: Anyone reaching the lake after 14.00 will not be permitted to kayak.

Expert Route:

• Cut off point 1: 09.45 at the Glenmalure Lodge / Drumgoff crossroads (This is approx 5 mins after leaving TA2). Failure to reach this point before cut off time will result in competitors being redirected onto the Sport route – No exceptions.
• Cut off point 2: 11.00 at TA3 (2nd Bike / Run transition). Persons reaching TA3 after 11:00 will be asked to continue on their bikes to TA1 (at Laragh GAA) and may not attempt the 2^nd trail run on Croghanmoire Mountain.
• Cut off point 3: 13.00 at TA1 (Laragh GAA transition). Anyone leaving the transition after this time will follow the Challenge run route at low level to the Upper Lake to complete the kayak stage and then return on route to the finish line.
•  Cut off point 4: Anyone reaching the lake after 14.00 will not be permitted to kayak.

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 tech t-shirt – Kayak rental – 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. We will provide you with a kayak, paddle and buoyancy aid.

   

• 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.

   

• Who provides my kayak? 
  The event organisers will provide all kayaks, paddles and buoyancy aid. Competitors will not be allowed to bring their own kayaks due to the remote location of the kayak stage.

   

• Do I need my own kayak, buoyancy aid or paddle? 
  No. The event organisers will provide all kayaks, paddles and buoyancy aid. Competitors will not be allowed to bring their own Kayaks due to the remote location of the Kayak stage.

   

• How is the race timed? 
  Your race time and your progress through each stage is timed using a ‘dibber’ which is attached to your wrist.

   

• Where are the timeout sections? 
  There is only one time out section on the route. The only time out zone where competitors can be timed out is while waiting for a kayak. The maximum amount of time allowed in the time out zone is 15 minutes. You can only be timed out if you are waiting for a kayak.

• 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.
• 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.

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

• 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.
• 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.

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.

Expert Route

09.40 Glenmalure Drumgoff Crossroads

11.00 Transition 3: 2nd trail run at Brown Mountain

13.15 Derrybawn Upper Trail Run

Sport Route

13.15 Derrybawn Upper Trail Run

All Routes

14.00 Kayak cut-off Glendalough Upper Lake