Quest Kenmare is a one-day multi-sport race. It takes place in the beautiful rugged surrounds of Kenmare town in the South West of Ireland on the Wild Atlantic Way. This race gives competitors the chance to run, cycle and kayak some of the most dramatic, breathtaking and remote scenery in the world. There are 4 different route options to suit all levels of fitness:

• Expert 78km
• Dual 46km
• Sport 43km
• Challenge 28km

When: 9th March 2024
Where: Kenmare, Co. Kerry

How Much:

€120 to €135

*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 8th March: 6pm to 9pm – TBC

Saturday 9th March: 7am to 9.30am – TBC

Location: Pobailscoil Inbhear Scéine, V93 K580 – TBC

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 text message containing your race number which you will receive a few days before the race. If you do not receive a text please bring the e-mail confirmation you receive when you register 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 The Square in Kenmare. 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.

Finish line 

The race will finish in Kenmare Square. There will be recovery facilities 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.

Shower facilities will be available at Kenmare Shamrocks GAA club.

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.
• Mandatory Kit must be worn or carried as appropriate and as specified
• TT bikes or bikes fitted with Tri Bars of any type may not be used
• There are no road closures for the cycling routes competitors must follow the road traffic laws
• All competitors must follow the prescribed route
• Checkpoints must be visited in the correct order
• Obey the environmental policy. Any competitor found littering by race marshals or fellow competitors can be reported and disqualified
• Respect the local environment
• Assist any persons who are in difficulty and report it to closest race marshall
• Competitors must enter the Elite wave to win the overall category prizes
• The Race Director’s decision is final
• Competitors must be over 18 years of age
• In the event of inclement weather the organisers have the right to alter the route on the day of the event

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 an environmentally sustainable sport.

We aim to minimise 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.
•Mandatory kit must be worn or carried as appropriate and as specified – Penalties will be applied
•Respect the environment, local landowners, livestock and “leave no trace” except for a few footprints

• How do I register for the Race?
  You can register for the race online. There are limited places available so register now not to be disappointed.
• What does the registration fee include?
  Customised finishers medal – Customised event tec t-shirt – Kayak rental  – Prizes in all categories – Free after race entertainment and 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, but all car parking is close to the start/finish lines.
• 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.
• Do I need any specialist equipment? 
  Apart from the basics (bike, helmet, running shoes) you do not need any specialist equipment. We will provide you with a kayak, paddle and buoyancy aid. A full list of mandatory equipment is available by clicking the ‘Rules and Mandatory Kit List’ button on the left.
• 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. You will be required to bring water with you on you for the duration of the race. There will be water available at: – Bike Transition area.
• 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 time out sections? 
  There is only one time out section on the route. The only time out zone where competitors can be timed out 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.
• How can I contact Quest Adventure Series if I have any more questions? 
  Feel free to contact us with any questions by emailing info@eliteevents.ie or call us on 087 602 4621
• Can I listen to my iPod 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.
  • 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 hat, 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, 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.
• 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.