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Event to draw 1500 adventure racers to Lough Derg

For the first time, Quest Adventure Series will take place on the banks of Lough Derg on tomorrow 14th September 2019.

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Adventure racing entails racing across various distances in three different disciplines of trail running, cycling and kayaking.

This exciting, brand-new event will see participants run, cycle and kayak their way around the breath-taking scenery of Lough Derg.

Elite Event Management are working with support from Clare County Council, Tipperary County Council and Lough Derg Marketing Group to bring this high-profile event to the area. Director Oliver Kirwan, said “We have some fantastic events across Ireland and we are really pleased to be able to bring the series to Lough Derg. We’ll be bringing over 1500 adventure racers here next week and we know the local community will put on a great reception as always. We are really looking forward to it!”

Due to the complex logistical nature of getting 1500 adventure racers around Clare and Tipperary it was decided to safely cross participants from Ballina to Killaloe by building Ireland’s biggest temporary pontoon across the Shannon. The event team in partnership with Waterways Ireland, Tipperary and Clare County councils have worked together to come up with this innovative solution.

Oliver Kirwan said “This is the longest pontoon ever constructed in Ireland and the first time a new bridge has been constructed in Killaloe in 300 years. The pontoon is being designed and constructed by specialist contractors Pontoons Ireland. It will take 4 days to build the temporary structure downstream with 3 articulated trucks of specialist modular blocks, handrails and netting. It will be towed into place the day before the event.”

The bridge will no doubt be a spectacular addition to the River Shannon for the inaugural Quest Lough Derg Event. The temporary pontoon will also ensure that the management of normal traffic across the existing bridge will not be disrupted and with no long delays. The event team has worked with all local stakeholders including the Garda, existing local water users and the councils to ensure this is the safest solution.”

Declan Garvey, Coillte Estates Manager for County Clare and Galway welcomes the event on Coillte lands: “Coillte are delighted to facilitate the Lough Derg Quest run in our forests, where we have recently completed upgrade works to our forest pathways.  The forests here will provide the local and wider communities with first class outdoor amenities to enjoy with friends and families, now and for future generations to come. We look forward to welcoming competitors to the event and all other visitors to our forests over the coming months ahead.”

Sharon Lavin, Head of Marketing and Communication, Waterways Ireland commented “Waterways Ireland has seen a huge increase in the number of recreational and tourist users on and along all our waterways in recent years.  With the provision of our Blueway and Greenway trails, we have now created even more opportunities for people to try new recreational activities. This also offers greater health and well-being and social opportunities for locals. For Waterways Ireland the Quest Lough Derg event is an ideal opportunity to encourage people to see inland waterways as a fitness and recreational resource, whilst also providing a vast array of opportunities for exploration and enjoyment for visitors and locals alike.  We hope the event is a huge success and look forward to welcoming the participants to Lough Derg.”

Quest Adventure Series has five Irish events, Quest Kenmare, Quest Glendalough, Quest 12/24 – Sneem & South Kerry, Quest Lough Derg and Quest Killarney.

For more information visit www.questadventureseries.com/race/quest-lough-derg/

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