Quest Lough Derg is a one-day multi-sport race. It takes place in the hidden heartlands of Ireland in Ballina/Killaloe and all around majestic Lough Derg.

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 3 different route options to suit all levels of fitness:

• Challenge 22km.
• Sport 45km.
• Expert 69km.

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
9th September 2023

Where
Lough Derg, Co. Clare

How Much: (subject to change)
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.

TBC

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 September: TBC
Saturday 9th September: TBC

Event HQ Marquee, Flanagans on the Lake, V94 F974

Your race pack includes:
– Bib number with timing chip
– Bike sticker
– Map and info doc
– Safety pins

Finish line
The race will finish on the banks of Lough Derg adjacent to Flanagan’s on the Lake. There will be recovery facilities and food for all participants.

Bike collection
Competitors can collect their bikes from the secure bike racking area after 2.30pm on event day. This is to allow for all participants to finish the race safely. Please ensure you have your race bib with you to correspond with your bike sticker when picking up your bike.

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 our 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 the closest race marshall
• Competitor’s must enter the Elite wave or the first wave to win the overall category prizes
• The Race Director’s decision is final
• Competitors must be over 18yrs
• In the event of inclement weather the organisers have the right to alter the route on the day of the event

Lough Derg 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 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 party 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 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.

• 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 (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.