Carlingford Lough Endurance Challenge Race Report by Johnny McCabe

Carlingford Lough Endurance Challenge - 12th July, 2008
 
The 8th Outdoor Exchange (CLEC) Carlingford Lough Endurance Challenge race took place once again in the picturesque village of Carlingford on the shores of Carlingford Lough at the Sailing Club. This year's test of endurance for the athletes was of a similar nature to previous years and as tough as before.... A total of 50k of rugged Cooley Mountain terrain involving a 16k run, taking in the peak runs of both the Fox's Rock and Slieve Foy, 26k MTB section, 6k sea kayak relay paddle, finishing with a 2k run around St. Johns Castle and through the village to the finish line at the Sailing Club.

The early morning sun greeted the teams as they arrives from all over Ireland, and shone on the many tents that pitched the night before. After the race briefing the athletes gathered behind the Carlingford Piped Band providing a fantastic atmosphere for the now traditional parade through the village to the start line.

At 10.15am Johnny McCabe blew the whistle for the start of a long day, for the 48 three person teams entered.

The first run consisting of 10k of fire road and mt. trails. For those that know the area the race started in Carlingford Village and then headed up towards the church on the tarmac towards Sleive Foy forest. Seamus Byrne, Ray O'Shaughnessy and David McKeown, were in the mix with the best. Up onto the upper mountain above the tree line. It was then back down along the fire road which brings you in above the castle in Carlingford... down through the castle from here and its a short jog back to the sailing club where the mt bikes were waiting for all. They were to hold the lead at the start of the Mtb section, 26k of trails with some tarmac in there for good measure.

On the bikes and into the 'Bull Ring' for a quick circuit of a very technical assault course erected by JADE Events who also provided a fantastic transition area, finishing gantry and awards podium for the day.
Riders who dabbed or elected not to try some obstacles had to serve time in the 'Sin Bin'. Then it was off through the village towards the church and up the fire-road from hell once again.!! Heading up to the barrier where another CP point was..... from here it was down the NPS track and across the river crossing....turn right just after it and you head down to the bottom car park... .from here, down a fast single track which brought you down to the main road.... onwards from here towards Omeath when just as you hit the Village it tacks up left up a tarmac minor road following the Táin Trail.