The Shore 2 Summit Multisport Challenge in Inishowen this weekend will undoubtedly be one of the major adventure challenges offered in Ireland in 2013.
The route traversing Inishowen from East to West, Redcastle to Buncrana, and is truly challenging with the combination of “on road / off road” changes that take in every foreseeable vantage point along the ways and showcases the amazing scenery and rugged coastline.
The 61k Challenging course consisting of:
• 13k Run, – A tough 3k start then a mix of tarred / hill road towards Carndonagh.
• 15k Cycle, – Reasonably handy cycle, unless the wind gets you, with 4k of rough hill road.
• 7K Mountain hike, – Starting with 0.5k of track, 1k bog land then a 2k climb of Sleibh Snacht.
• 2k Kayak, – Beautiful Lake, surrounded by hill and your “now relaxing” body.
• 23k Cycle – The 6k “off road” being the highlight starting with a tough 2k climb, Its all downhill from there as you wind around windmills, surrounded by stunning coastline.
• 2k shore path run to finish. – Take it in your stride, your almost there.
The bike recommendation would probably be a road bike with puncture proof tyres, but there are no guarantees so maybe you’d prefer a hybrid or mountain bike to be on the slower but safe side.
Sleive Snacht, Inishowens highest mountain, with its amazing views across the peninsula and beyond signifies the halfway stage of the event. The Mountain climb initially is flat, wet and mucky over bog land before climbing the last 2k to the summit where you have the entire Peninsula and further in your sights. After all that climbing, take a moment to take in the spectacular scenery before you commence you decent.
The Kayaks are “flat top” twin kayaks, which are ideal for those who don’t know what that means. In other words you don’t need previous kayaking experience, just keep in time with the other partner and you’ll get there. Experienced Kayakers are dotted around the lake to direct and help if required. Relay partners should try to get to Lake and join in with their partner in the Kayak.
The final cycle, 23k in total, from mountain) has 1 tough climb on the “off road” section, apart from this the cycle route consists of rolling hills on the first section and after conquering the climb you weave downhill with windmills to left and right, then onto Tarred road and the final 8k is either flat or downhill.
Your almost there, just a 2k run, on those rubber legs, along the shore path, past Doherty’s castle to the finish line at the Shore Front where you will receive a well deserved medal and t-shirt. Refreshments will be served up in the marquee afterwards.
If this all seems too much for you, then why not enter with friends and complete the challenge as a team and all receive medals and t-shirts upon the completion of your challenge.
