The Beast Adventure Race takes place in Donegal this weekend.
The Beast is an expedition adventure race which has taken place in Ireland since 2006.
For the first time, it will take place this weekend in Co. Donegal from 4th – 6th August 2017.
Adventure racing is a multi-discipline sport which involves teams of four (which must include at least one female) cover long distances, non-stop for 24+ hours. Teams must navigate their own route using map and compass.
In this case, The Beast will have its race HQ in Letterkenny. The route of approx. 275km will be navigated on foot (trekking/running), on mountain bikes and in kayaks. There will also be an element of ropework and other special tasks to negotiate for good measure.
The race HQ will be in the Radisson Blu, Letterkenny. Registration and opening briefs will take place before teams make their way to the start point nearby. The race will commence at 1700 Fri 4th August.
It will finish sometime between 0900 and 1500 on Sunday 6th August. During the intervening time, teams will battle the terrain, fatigue and weather conditions. They will however, see some of the most incredible landscapes on offer in Co Donegal all along the way.
We are delighted to have 18 teams of 4 taking part. They include teams from all over Ireland and 2 international teams (1 Danish, 1 Swedish). Also included is a team from Donegal made up off Jason Black, Shaun Stewart, Patrick Stewart and Sharon Black.
In order to maintain the challenge of navigation for the teams, the route remains a well-kept secret until the start time! Teams can be sure that they will visit areas of the Wild Atlantic Way and some of the rocky mountains within County Donegal.
The race can be followed online with live GPS tracking of teams and regular facebook updates. See www.thebeast.ie and our facebook page ‘The Beast’.
The race staff and marshals are entirely made up of volunteers from all over the country and beyond. It is our intention to bring the race to Donegal for a number of years culminating in a European Championship.
Speaking during the week Ivan Parke race director said “It is great to bring the event to Donegal which has a natural landscape suitable for events of this sort. We hope that the Donegal public will grasp the event and get out and support the competitors who are travelling great distances to take part. It is hoped that when the local adventure racers see what the event is all about we will have a larger local entry next year.”