The Quest Glendalough Team has put together routes that are both challenging and inspiring with rugged landscape and breathtaking scenery.

There are 3 different routes options:
63.1KM Expert – 40KM Sport – 22.4KM Challenge 

Precautions
Competitors undertake Quest Glendalough at their own risk.

Please familiarise yourself with the route maps, race briefing document and the areas on the route where care must be taken. Please observe warning signs, race stewards advice and listen carefully to the race briefing before the race.

*Please note, all routes are subject to change, statutory approval and license agreements*

The 63.1km Expert race consists of the following 6 stages:

Stage 1: Cycle – 5.8km
Description: Starting after a mass start from the Laragh GAA pitch you will cycle up along Military road. From here you will drop you bike at the transition area in the Shay Elliot recreation area.
Terrain: Sealed road, varying in quality from good to fair with possibility of some gravel and potholes.
Precautions: The roads are not closed and are open to traffic.
Link to route:  Stage 1

Stage 2: Trail Run – 5.6km
Description: Competitors will drop their bikes at the Shay Elliot recreational area carpark. By foot you then follow a marked forest trail and then open mountain trail towards the summit of Braigue Mountain (502m) before returning to summit of Cullentra (467m) and back via mountain and forest tracks to the transition area. Competitors can embrace the views of the stunning Glenmalure valley and the surrounding mountains.
Terrain: Walking trail, stone path, forest track, mountain track of good to rough quality with slippy muck and rock sections.
Precautions: Trail runners are highly recommended.
Link to route: Stage 2

Stage 3: Cycle – 15km

Description: You will proceed to cycle from the transition area down the hill into the picturesque Glenmalure Valley. After crossing the Avonbeg river close to the old Drumgoff Military barracks you climb up the testing Slieve Mann climb to Drumgoff Gap (The highest cycle point on the route at 450m). You then descent into Aughavanagh and turn left to bring you back up the Brown mountain climb to the 2nd Expert transition at Barnaslew parking area. You will encounter steep hills and sharp bends on this section.
**Please note: 2km after leaving the Shay Elliott transition there is a mandatory Stop & Dismount section.

From that point you must walk or run with your bike for approximately 800m going past the crossroads at the Glenmalure Lodge before being permitted to remount after the 2nd narrow bridge.

The dismount and remount points will be signed and marshalled on the day – DQ for non compliance **

Precautions: The roads are not closed and are open to traffic.
Terrain: Sealed road, varying in quality from good to fair with the possibility of some gravel and potholes
Link to route: Stage 3

Stage 4: Run – 4.3km
Description: Starting at Ballinagappoge transition area you follow a testing trail through the forest before turning to face your ascent to the summit of Croghanmoinre mountain (Highest point of the course at 667m).

From the summit you descend steeply on an open mountain trail before turning left down a rocky trail and then returning to the transition on a forestry road.

Terrain: Walking trail, stone path, forest track, mountain track with slippy muck and rock sections.

Precautions: Trail runners are highly recommended.

Link to route: Stage 4

Stage 5: Cycle – 18.6km
Description: Back on your bike head you descend towards Greenan and the final bike climb of the day past Glenmalure golf club on a section of recently laid “cream cheese” surfaced road. You then descend to join the R755 and return to the transition area at Laragh GAA pitch.
Terrain: Sealed road, varying in quality from very good to fair with the possibility of some gravel and potholes
Precautions: The roads are not closed and are open to traffic.
Link to route: Stage 5

Stage 6: Trail Run – 13.6km
Description: Competitors will rack their bikes at the Laragh GAA transition area. From here you head out on forest tracks to ascend onto the flanks of Derrybawn mountain and then along the side of the valley with fabulous views down onto the world famous Glendalough round tower, monastic heritage site and the famous Upper Lake. You then descend past the Poulanass Waterfall and return to the valley level to run past the Glendalough monastic heritage site back to the finish line at Laragh GAA

Terrain: Walking trail, stone path, forest track, mountain track – Generally of good quality with possibility of some slippy sections. 

Precautions: Trail runners are recommended.

Link to route: Stage 6

The race consists of the following 4 stages:

Stage 1: Cycle – 5.8km
Description: Starting after a rolling start from the Laragh GAA pitch you will cycle up along Military road. From here you will drop your bike at the transition area in the Shay Elliot recreation area.
Terrain: Sealed road, varying in quality from good to fair with the possibility of some gravel and potholes.
Precautions: The roads are not closed and are open to traffic.
Link to route: Stage 1

Stage 2: Trail Run – 5.6km
Description: Competitors will rack their bikes at the Shay Elliott recreation area car park transition. On foot you then follow a marked forest trail down hill before turning up Ballybraid valley and climbing steadily on mountain trails to pass close to the summit of Cullentra Mountain.

A short downhill section and some nice trails take you back to the transition area where you retrieve your bike and helmet for the next stage.

Terrain: Walking trail, stone path, forest track, mountain track of good to rough quality with slippy muck and rock sections.
Precautions: Trail runners are highly recommended.

Link to route: Stage 2

Stage 3: Cycle – 19.6km
Description: Back on your bike head you descend into the valley and turn left at the Glenmalure Lodge (Film location for “The Stag” movie) pub heading towards Greenan where you turn left and go up the final bike climb of the day past Glenmalure golf club on a section of recently laid “cream cheese” surfaced road. You then descend to join the R755 and return to the transition area at Laragh GAA pitch.

**Please note: 2km after leaving the Shay Elliott transition there is a mandatory Stop & Dismount section.

From that point you must walk or run with your bike for approximately 800m going past the crossroads at the Glenmalure Lodge before being permitted to remount after the 2nd narrow bridge.

The dismount and remount points will be signed and marshalled on the day – DQ for non compliance**

Terrain: Sealed road, varying in quality from very good to fair with the possibility of some gravel and potholes

Precautions: The roads are not closed and are open to traffic.

Link to route: Stage 3

Stage 4: Trail Run – 9km
Description: Competitors will rack their bikes at the Laragh GAA transition. From here you head out and up along the forestry tracks to enjoy spectacular views of the Glendalough round tower and Glendalough upper lake before descending past the Poulanass Waterfall and returning to the valley level.

Your final run takes you past the Glendalough monastic heritage site back to the finish line at Laragh 

Terrain: Walking trail, stone path, forest track generally of good quality but the possibility of some slippy sections

Precautions: Trail runners are recommended but not essential.

Link to route: Stage 4

The race consists of the following 2 stages:

Stage 1: Cycle – 13.4km
Description:

Starting off slowly in a controlled mass start from the GAA grounds you will cycle out towards Clarabeg and enjoy some great views over the Claravale valley.

Please dismount when instructed by race marshals at the forest entrance 300m before Claravale church & bridge as this final section is very steep, twisty and the bridge is narrow – DQ for anyone who does not dismount.

You can remount your bike only after crossing the bridge though some competitors may choose to walk their bikes up the next 200m to the junction with the Laragh road and the final section back to the GAA grounds.

Terrain: Sealed road, varying in quality from good to fair with the possibility of some gravel and potholes.
Link to route: Stage 1

Stage 2: Trail Run – 9km
Description: Competitors will rack their bikes at the Laragh GAA transition. From here you head out and up along the forestry tracks to enjoy spectacular views of the Glendalough round tower and Glendalough upper lake before descending past the Poulanass Waterfall and returning to the valley level.

Your final run takes you past the Glendalough monastic heritage site back to the finish line at Laragh 

Terrain: Walking trail, stone path, forest track generally of good quality but the possibility of some slippy sections

Precautions: Trail runners are recommended but not essential.

Link to route: Stage 2