ConnQuest 1/2 Marathon

mo_bhicycle

Anybody know the details of the 1/2 marathon?
The website has some details for the 10k but not much on the 1/2.

munsterbear

mo_bhicycle wrote: »

Anybody know the details of the 1/2 marathon?
The website has some details for the 10k but not much on the 1/2.

Hi, I was talking to one of the lads involved. The half marathon course is the same as the 10km but we do it twice minus the obstacles. So head out on 10km course, get to end and come back.

woody1

hmmm maybe a 20k could be a bit much for my first foray into hill/trail running... tempted though... id say even one lap would murder me .. hopefully it goes well and i can tackle it next year with a bit more experience
i wonder how much is trail and how much is just open mountain..

Enduro

woody1 wrote: »

i wonder how much is trail and how much is just open mountain..

I've passed through those hills in a (real) adventure race before, and there wasn't really a trace of any trail anywhere. It's possible there might be one around, but I would doubt it.

woody1

Enduro wrote: »

I've passed through those hills in a (real) adventure race before, and there wasn't really a trace of any trail anywhere. It's possible there might be one around, but I would doubt it.

thats kind of what i thought, might be a step too far for this year...

spurscormac

Am getting tempted by this.
I don't have much training done, but it looks like it could be good fun to enter almost as a training run.

Any thoughts on the two options?
10k seems to have a map and is a basic up and down a hill.
No real detail on the half-marathon except the one sentence on the site:

The half-marathon course will run over four peaks with an elevation change of 2,800m and panoramic views of Killary Harbour, the Maam Turks, Twelve Bens and the Atlantic Ocean. Make no mistake the course is challenging and demanding and will take you to places that few have ever been!

Enduro

My thoughts are that it's likely to be a good interesting route, as there are so few trails. I also very much doubt that the total climb is 2800. I'd say that's pure BS for morkeshing purposes. More likely that's the sum of the heigths of all the peaks traversed (rather than the differences between them)

mo_bhicycle

Enduro wrote: »

I also very much doubt that the total climb is 2800. I'd say that's pure BS for morkeshing purposes.

They say "an elevation change of 2,800m", which is a bit ambiguous ... my reading on it is that it's 2,800m of combined ascent and descent, making only 1,400m of elevation gain.

Slogger Jogger

Looks interesting. Personally I can't fit this in with training for the marathon. Maybe another time. Also at 41 quid for the half its a bit steep, echoing the running terrain perhaps.

Enduro

Slogger Jogger wrote: »

Looks interesting. Personally I can't fit this in with training for the marathon. Maybe another time. Also at 41 quid for the half its a bit steep, echoing the running terrain perhaps.

Good observation! It's nearly an order of magnitude more expensive than an IMRA organised race (just short of 6 times the expense). If it gets a few more people interested in hillrunning it'll be a good thing. Hopefully they'll quickly realise there are better races for a lot less money around.

woody1

not too many of those races in the west though ! unfortunately... so if it gets something going in the west as i know robroy1234 would like to happen then it would undoubtedly be a good thing...

CRD2011

Hi folks,

for the entry price of €39 + €2 booking fee you get a long sleeve tech t-shirt and bar-b-que at the end of the race. This is a fully insured event, with red cross ambulance and rescue services. if there is any profit from the event it's going towards setting up the connemara athletic club.

I'll get the correct info on the elevations and post it shortly.

cheers,

Mike

Slogger Jogger

If its helping a club thats commendable. I still think its dear though, but you pay money and take your changes I suppose. Most imra races are 7 quid and fully ensured. The imra Wicklow trail is c. 20 quid but that includes bus transport. I've seen a recent move on race registrations to offer a varied race fee if opting for a teeshirt or not. Thats great in my view as most of us have lorry loads of tees. Sorry I'm probably going off topic. Best wishes to all doing the race. If Robroy is doing it anyone will be doing very well to stay near him on the uphills. He's crap at downhills though (his words).

alftupper

price's of events have gone mad, espicially " inaugural events".
Price it low the first year , make the errors , iron them out , then put up the price in increments as it gets popular

acurno

CRD2011 wrote: »

Hi folks,

for the entry price of €39 + €2 booking fee you get a long sleeve tech t-shirt and bar-b-que at the end of the race.
Mike

Says on the website this price is only for the 1st 100 people. Thinking of doing the half. This price still valid if I enter now?

CRD2011

acurno wrote: »

Says on the website this price is only for the 1st 100 people. Thinking of doing the half. This price still valid if I enter now?

Yes the price will stay the same, if there is a price change it wil be cleary adveristed on the website and then only appies to people who enter after the price change.

CRD2011

Hi folks,

We just marked the course yesterday and even though we have had a lot of rain the course is still firm underfoot apart from a few spots. 80% of the course is open rugged mountain which is marked with twine and flags. The course is 10k long and there are a few steep ascents & descents. The first 3k will take you to approx 2,000 ft. The next 4k is the 4 peak sky run section and then you are on the descent.

Check out the course profile & elevation details on http://connect.garmin.com/player/112949612

The 10k Quest race is as follows:
• 10k course must be covered in one direction
• The course is broken up with various challenges that will make it a fun test of skill and fitness

The half marathon race is as follows:
• 10k course must be covered in both directions (20k in total)
• Then there is an added beach run to make up the half marathon distance
• This course demands concentration, caution and endurance but is totally doable for anyone with a good level of fitness

If anyone has any questions call me anytime on 086 8222447,

Mike

adventurfox

yum yum.

spurscormac

Just have a few questions for the organisers regarding the registration, timings, etc.

Are both races starting at 12?
I see you state on the site that registration will be open from 9am til 11am, is that the case or will it be open any later than 11?

Is there a facility to sign-up on the day or do you have to commit in advance?

With the big rugby match (Ireland v Australia) on that morning from 9:30, is there anywhere nearby to watch it?

munsterbear

Where are most people staying? I was thinking of the campsite but have to admit I'm not a massive fan of camping.

acurno

Dang, forgot about the match. That has to take priority......

munsterbear

acurno wrote: »

Dang, forgot about the match. That has to take priority......

Does anyone know where we can watch match? Somewhere close to campsite?

woody1

lads
did anyone on here do this, looking at the times for the top 3 im glad i left it for this year 3 hours ! id probably be out there still...
anyway ..how did it go, would it be worth aiming for next year ..

munsterbear

woody1 wrote: »

lads
did anyone on here do this, looking at the times for the top 3 im glad i left it for this year 3 hours ! id probably be out there still...
anyway ..how did it go, would it be worth aiming for next year ..

I started but didn't finish. Bad tumble and hurt knee. Very tough course. Some sections you were climbing up using hands as well. Stunning views and marked out well. Just a shame I didn't finish.

Bugsy2000

I started but didn't finish. Bad tumble and hurt knee. Very tough course. Some sections you were climbing up using hands as well. Stunning views and marked out well. Just a shame I didn't finish.


Was that you who was taken off the mountain by mountain rescue? Just saw a write up in the Galway Independant about it today, Sligo Rescue Helicopter called out too. Is the leg alright?

woody1

just looking at the results there, 12 dnf's from 27..tough race !

munsterbear

Bugsy2000 wrote: »

I started but didn't finish. Bad tumble and hurt knee. Very tough course. Some sections you were climbing up using hands as well. Stunning views and marked out well. Just a shame I didn't finish.


Was that you who was taken off the mountain by mountain rescue? Just saw a write up in the Galway Independant about it today, Sligo Rescue Helicopter called out too. Is the leg alright?

I was doing the half marathon. Knee went half way thru first lap. Made it back under my own steam to start/finish line but no chance of going out again for second lap. Interestingly my Garmin logged it at 8 miles at that stage. Just took my time. Hope to test it with lil run tomorrow.

chatting to lad in local shop. He said it lashed rain for a week. Might be an idea to move event to June. But then tis always raining in the west haha

CRD2011

Race report for Connquest Connemara, 2011

In unexpected sunny conditions mountain runners from Mayo triumphed over nearly 100 competitors to win the inaugural Connquest Connemara, which was held on Saturday 17th September in Renvyle, Co. Galway.

ConnQuest Connemara is made up of two races: a tough half marathon and a 10K that can be run or hiked. Both races start and finish beside Lettergesh beach in Renvyle and provide panoramic views of Killary Harbour, the Maam Turks, Twelve Bens and the Atlantic Ocean.

The Connquest Half Marathon passes over 4 mountain peaks twice, mostly run on open rugged hills with challenging ascents and steep descents and rising 580 metres in the first 3K. With a winning time of 2 hours and 56 minutes by Pat Staunton (Westport) and 3:25:24 by Betty Walsh (Newport), this race is a tough challenge and is for serious mountain runners only.

The Connquest 10K also passes over 4 mountain peaks but with various challenges along the way, gives runners time to catch their breath. This race required some effort but has enough entertaining challenges along the way to keep it fun. The race was won by Padraig Marrey from Ballinrobe and Mary Mulchrone, also from Ballinrobe, led the ladies home. A clean sweep for Mayo!

Reaction from the competitors was extremely positive and this event looks sure to run again next year with improved numbers competing. The tough nature of the half marathon and the enjoyable challenges of the 10K were commented on. The free tea & coffee before the start and free hot showers & hot meal at the finish were also particularly appreciated by the competitors.

Many thanks to Galway Mountain Rescue and Irish Red Cross for their excellent support & professionalism on race day and to the Reserve Defence Force for their great work marshalling and patrolling in the mountains.

Check www.connemararoughdiamond.com for more information, results and photos of the event.

Feedback on the Half Marathon course:
· “Well organised and a very challenging course in stunning surroundings.”
· “ Liked the tough climbs, tough terrain and tricky descents.”
· “Well marked course. Liked the tricky descents and it felt great getting to the finish “

Feedback on the 10K course:
· “very well organised, there was a deadly tshirt, the food afterwards was amazing, every single organiser was as friendly as could be, the course was extremely well marked and marshaled which meant i felt very safe up there on the mountain”
· “The views were fantastic all the way around and the challenges were great fun and they really gave the race something unique! my favourites were the go carting one and the shoot the gimp; although i felt bad for those guys! Haha”
· “IT WAS GREAT FUN, INTERESTING IN EVERY ASPECT FROM THE OBSTICLE COURSES TO THE SLIDE DOWN THE MOUNTAIN, THE ARCHERY, JAVLIN, GO KARTING AND PAINTBALLING ALL FAB.”
· “ Great day out even though it is physical the quest challenges gives it a new dimension and lets you catch your breath after a gruelling trek”
· “Very well organised, different to the usual races, a great location. The best part? The challenges, the food afterwards (yum!) and the location”

CRD2011

Just to let you know that the guy who was taken off the mountain, was taken straight to hospital in Galway for xray, the Ambulance was waiting for him. He was in good form, considering, and the Galway Mountain Rescue Team did a great job looking after him. Many thanks for GMR for their support and professionalism.

The half marathon was a tough course, but most people enjoyed the challange and said they liked the course.

The 10K course is shorted and the challanges along the way give you time to get your breath back. The challanges were also enjoyed.

if you have more questions i'd be glad to answer them, otherwise hope to see you next year. Cheers, Steve from the Connquest Team