Competitors get set to run, cycle, kayak as Continental Tyres National Adventure Race Series returns in 2021

After a Covid-enforced hiatus for Irish adventure racers, the 2021 Continental Tyres National Adventure Race Series got the green light this week with confirmation that six exciting events will take place in September and October. 

The multisport adventure race series includes running, cycling and kayaking across some of Ireland’s most challenging – and picturesque – terrain, commencing with Killary Fjord in Leenaun, Co Galway, and concluding with majestic Glendalough in the Garden County.  

Launching this year’s series, Paul Mahon of Adventure Racing Ireland said: “We’re thrilled to be back! We have missed the camaraderie and adrenaline rush of competitive adventure racing over the past year, so this is a big step forward.

“It’s a slightly condensed agenda this year with participants required to complete three events to qualify for the series, but we are confident that all events will be really enjoyable and a safe experience for everyone.

“We’re also delighted to have Continental Tyres back as our partner for the 2021 series,” he added. “The Continental guys are genuinely passionate about adventure racing and we’re looking forward to sharing another unforgettable series with them in the autumn.”

Pictured at the Dublin Mountains is Tom Dennigan of Continental Tyres Ireland (left), in attendance with, from left: Michael Dowling, Paul Mahon, Multi-Sport Adventure Ireland Series founder, Vicky Taylor and Padraig O’Connor, Adventure Racing Ireland Series Co-Ordinator. (Photo: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile)

Continental Tyres are supporting the series with an innovative digital marketing campaign, as well as providing a range of prizes including tyre health checks and replacements at Best Drive, top-of-the-range adidas running shoes with Continental’s patented rubber sole grip, as well as the company’s most advanced bike tyres, the GP5000s.

Tom Dennigan of Continental Tyres Ireland said: “We are proud of our partnership with Adventure Racing Ireland and couldn’t be happier to be back this year to support the growing community of outdoor enthusiasts.

“Getting to these events is often an adventure in itself and a big part of the experience,” he went on.

“Here at Continental Tyres, we are keen to make sure not only the racers, but their friends and supporters have the right grip for their journey, whether it’s on their car, bike wheels or the soles on their shoes!”

The National Adventure Race Series includes two competitive category options: Expert level where participants climb higher, cycle longer and paddle further; and Sport level which is shorter but faster and highly competitive, with some of the country’s fittest athletes participating. 

SAFETY FIRST

The Continental Tyres National Adventure Race Series will run in conjunction with a combination of community and professional racing events, with all this year’s events implementing safety and social distancing measures to comply with current health guidelines. 

To follow the Continental Tyres National Adventure Race Series, visit www.adventureracing.ie or www.kayathlon.ie for regular updates.

Pictured at the Dublin Mountains is Tom Dennigan of Continental Tyres Ireland (centre), in attendance with, from left: Michael Dowling, Paul Mahon, Multi-Sport Adventure Ireland Series founder, Vicky Taylor and Padraig O’Connor, Adventure Racing Ireland Series Co-Ordinator. (Photo: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile)

2021 CONTINENTAL TYRES NATIONAL ADVENTURE RACE SERIES SCHEDULE

11-Sep Gaelforce West (Expert) Leenaun, Co Galway
www.gaelforceevents.com/en/gaelforce-west

25-Sep FEARmanagh (Expert & Sport) Derrygonnely, Co Fermangh 
https://fearmanagh.com/

2-Oct Quest Killarney (Expert & Sport) Killarney, Co Kerry
https://www.questadventureseries.com/race/quest-killarney-october/

16-Oct SCAR (Expert & Sport) Skibbereen, Co Cork
https://www.thescar.ie/

16-Oct WAAR Donegal (Sport) Donegal
www.waar.ie 

30-Oct Quest Glendalough (Expert & Sport) Glendalough, Co. Wicklow
https://www.questadventureseries.com/race/quest-glendalough/