2013 Art O'Neill Challenge

Gravale

The 2013 Art O'Neill Challenge will take place on the Friday 11th January 2013. Registration opens on Saturday 20th October 2012.

There is more information posted at: http://northfacejohn.com/index.php/o...hallenge-2013/.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrY-J2RBfB4

Last year's thread

chesscyclist

The URL above is broken.
The correct URL is: http://northfacejohn.com/index.php/opinion/art-oneill-challenge-2013/

Gravale

chesscyclist wrote: »

The URL above is broken.
The correct URL is: http://northfacejohn.com/index.php/opinion/art-oneill-challenge-2013/

They're both exactly the same, chesscyclist, and both work.

Rogue Runner

This will be my first AON. Really enjoyed reading the the 2012 Thread btw. There was some invaluable advice
Quick question though. With the Hybrid Category, is it only trekking for the mountain stages with the guided groups, or do any run?

Thanks

nerraw1111

Yeah only trekking with a group in previous years. There were fast and slow groups although the fast groups were just a fast walk.

In theory, you could arrange a group beforehand with an experienced navigator and agree to run together. Presumably this would have to be cleared with the organisers beforehand?

I did the hybrid and really enjoyed it but it was slightly frustrating not going at your own pace. But then, the guides knew their way and I didn't. Keep an eye on this thread and IMRA forum for group recces of the course.

rom

Video link is borked.

Gravale

Try this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrY-J2RBfB4

chesscyclist

I have heard stories of people doing the Hybrid run and then waiting ages for a treking group to follow.
A better strategy would be to use a GPS with the route preprogrammed and to recce the mountain parts a few times.
That is my plan, to recce the route at least twice before the main event. It would also make for good training.

DogSlySmile

nerraw1111 wrote: »

In theory, you could arrange a group beforehand with an experienced navigator and agree to run together.

Thats a great idea. Surely the organizers would allow this as having to navigate would turn a lot of people off doing this race. It sounds like a great event and I'd definitely be interested if it wasnt for the need to navigate. But then again I suppose the organizers don't want people getting separated from the group/lost with no nav experience...

Enduro

DogSlySmile wrote: »

Thats a great idea. Surely the organizers would allow this as having to navigate would turn a lot of people off doing this race. It sounds like a great event and I'd definitely be interested if it wasnt for the need to navigate. But then again I suppose the organizers don't want people getting separated from the group/lost with no nav experience...

It doesn't matter how many people are turned off the race by the need to navigate. Everybody is still going to need to either be able to navigate by themselves or be permanently in the company of someone doing the navigation on the mountain sections. In the end you're all adults. The primary responsibility for your saftey in the mountains is your own. So there is no problem with organising your own groups for the ultrarun, even if not everyone can navigate. But everyone in the group should be responsible for everyone else in the group all the time!

It's that personal responsibility of looking after your own route finding and saftey at night in the Ireland's largest wilderness area in the middle of winter that I real love about the Art O'Neill. I love it most when I'm out on my own with no-one around. It's the gnarliest ultrarun in Ireland.

As a general point, you're missing out on a huge amount by not being able to navigate. It's not some magic lack art... it's actually pretty straighforward to pick up enough information to be able to do an event like the Art O'Neill. Being able to navigate gives you complete freedom and independence in the mountains, whether you're going for a short training run or a massive expedition. If you enjoy hill running it's probably the single most valueable skill to pick up.

Rogue Runner

Enduro wrote: »

It doesn't matter how many people are turned off the race by the need to navigate. Everybody is still going to need to either be able to navigate by themselves or be permanently in the company of someone doing the navigation on the mountain sections. In the end you're all adults. The primary responsibility for your saftey in the mountains is your own. So there is no problem with organising your own groups for the ultrarun, even if not everyone can navigate. But everyone in the group should be responsible for everyone else in the group all the time!

It's that personal responsibility of looking after your own route finding and saftey at night in the Ireland's largest wilderness area in the middle of winter that I real love about the Art O'Neill. I love it most when I'm out on my own with no-one around. It's the gnarliest ultrarun in Ireland.

As a general point, you're missing out on a huge amount by not being able to navigate. It's not some magic lack art... it's actually pretty straighforward to pick up enough information to be able to do an event like the Art O'Neill. Being able to navigate gives you complete freedom and independence in the mountains, whether you're going for a short training run or a massive expedition. If you enjoy hill running it's probably the single most valueable skill to pick up.

Thanks Enduro, might hook up with you so.

nerraw1111

I've a basic understanding of navigation.

How long is a piece a string question coming up...but is it a case of just recceing the route in advance, becoming competent with a compass and map and you're good to go?

Or should you be doing something like a mountain skills course?

Oldlegs

nerraw1111 wrote: »

I've a basic understanding of navigation.

How long is a piece a string question coming up...but is it a case of just recceing the route in advance, becoming competent with a compass and map and you're good to go?

Or should you be doing something like a mountain skills course?

Starting point - print off some of the maps for fixed orienteering courses (http://www.coillteoutdoors.ie/index.php?id=89) and head out some nice afternoon. Try walking a few legs/sections and then a few running where you put yourself underpressure. Gets you used to making some decisions (and mistakes !). Then try again, but taking a different route and look at various 'safety net' (Handrail) items that will catch you early if you go in the wrong direction or overrun (paths, junctions, rivers etc).

Then, on a nice autumn day, head out to a hill that you know well with the relevant OS map. Walk your usual trek, but this time "work" the map as you go along looking to call off the various parts of the terrain that you pass or can see in the distance.
Put the map away and then walk a bit and try to re-orientate yourself by looking that physical terrain and match that to the map . Do it again later on, WITHOUT the compass (Hint - high points are best).

All of this should be a fun way to learn some of the basics. HOWEVER, navigation at night, when tired should not be underestimated. "Measure twice - cut once". Have someone also make the route choices, individually, and then check with each other. You will be very surprised how easy it is to think you are one place (the junctions/roads/rivers all appear to be in the correct place) but you are really somewhere else. On longer sections, it is always good to have a few waypoints in mind so that you can check yourself as you move along.

As Enduro, mentioned, the navigation elements can really add to a hillrun or trek. Also makes a great family day out when the kids may start to moan about the weather, the hill, being tired :-)

guapos

Great event, would be nice if they could change the transition area for the hybrid, if I remember correctly there is 8 - 10 kms of road after the transition till you go off road (apart from a few hundred metres through a field). This section is easy to follow and at worst would require a marshall at one or two junctions. I found this section horribly boring and would have much prefered to run it.

Micilin Muc

Did anybody register today? Did registration ever open?

911sc

Micilin Muc wrote: »

Did anybody register today? Did registration ever open?

i don't think so.
http://www.artoneillchallenge.ie/ is still showing the same page, no update.

trailrunner

i tryed to enter a few times today, 1st time was at 6am but the site is not taking the registration..!! the whole thing seems a bit of a shambolic set up to be honest.

Rogue Runner

Tried to register as well but the link doesn't seem to work. All will be sorted soon enough I'm sure.

911sc

trailrunner wrote: »

the whole thing seems a bit of a shambolic set up to be honest.

give the guys a chance, i am sure they'll sort this out promptly.

Micilin Muc

I'm sure Art himself had trouble registering too, and he went and did the Challenge no bother.

DogSlySmile

Micilin Muc wrote: »

I'm sure Art himself had trouble registering too, and he went and did the Challenge no bother.

Ah he was only wrecked after it though. In fact, he died. Hit the wall at mile 20 and never recovered!

Micilin Muc

DogSlySmile wrote: »

Ah he was only wrecked after it though. In fact, he died. Hit the wall at mile 20 and never recovered!

Did he not eat the porridge at the 1st CP?

In all seriousness, I hope I don't miss registration whenever it does open! I'm pressing refresh all day yesterday & today!

aigster

Micilin Muc wrote: »

Did he not eat the porridge at the 1st CP?

In all seriousness, I hope I don't miss registration whenever it does open! I'm pressing refresh all day yesterday & today!

Are the hybrid groups walking the off road completely ??... Sounds the way to go for a novice to the hills...dark... Navigating ...do they leave in large groups.... It might sound silly but I'd hate to get lost!!

ultraman1

aigster wrote: »

Are the hybrid groups walking the off road completely ??... Sounds the way to go for a novice to the hills...dark... Navigating ...do they leave in large groups.... It might sound silly but I'd hate to get lost!!

hybrids run to cp1,and then join the walking groups that have a navigator,..

aigster

ultraman1 wrote: »

hybrids run to cp1,and then join the walking groups that have a navigator,..

Cheers

blackvalley

Hi.
Did anyone manage to sign up yet ?. The web page has changed slightly but the sign up page will not open .

ThisRegard

Yeah, the website is looking normal again, but the registration process is still not working. The sign up page brings up the same page as it was since Saturday.

It looks like the event doesn't exist on the Actvie Europe site, hence no registration.

nerraw1111

ThisRegard wrote: »

Yeah, the website is looking normal again, but the registration process is still not working. The sign up page brings up the same page as it was since Saturday.

It looks like the event doesn't exist on the Actvie Europe site, hence no registration.

Yeah looks like the event isn't open on the Active Europe page yet. I'll say it be sorted soon.

Interesting to read that this could be the last year.

Donny5

nerraw1111 wrote: »

Interesting to read that this could be the last year.

Maybe the last years those folks organise it, but we can always just go and do it, in the true spirit of Art. We don't need navigators or checkpoints.

ThisRegard

And it's up.

The last year thing may have this selling out fairly quickly. The NPWS limited the numbers at the IMRA Brockagh race earlier this year too.

Rogue Runner

it's up but you cant proceed to to checkout.

aigster

Rogue Runner wrote: »

it's up but you cant proceed to to checkout.

Stuck on proceed to checkout !!!.... Is it a sign ))

nerraw1111

Just press "enter" at your address line once all your details are in. i.e. click in the address line, and press enter.

I got through no bother and received a confirmation email.

ThisRegard

nerraw1111 got in there before me, as he says, just hit enter. I scoured the page looking for a button somewhere so just gave hitting enter a go and completed my registration.

Rogue Runner

ThisRegard wrote: »

nerraw1111 got in there before me, as he says, just hit enter. I scoured the page looking for a button somewhere so just gave hitting enter a go and completed my registration.

Did the same and it worked. Intuitive this is not :cool:

ThisRegard

It's all part of the admission test. If you can't navigate your way through a few simple webpages, how can you be expected to navigate your way through the Wicklow Mountains at night, in winter.

Rogue Runner

ThisRegard wrote: »

It's all part of the admission test. If you can't navigate your way through a few simple webpages, how can you be expected to navigate your way through the Wicklow Mountains at night, in winter.

lol, think you could be on to something there.

chesscyclist

The Art O'Neill Challenge is now open.
There is a quota of 200 entrants and, according to the organizers, may be the last one, which will make it a very special event indeed.

With only 12 weeks to go, I will be following this 12-week training plan:

http://northfacejohn.com/index.php/running/run-an-50k-ultramarathon-in-12-weeks/

Outside

Entered! Yep, go to the last entry field in the form and hit tab then enter and it worked. Whatever way the browser is displaying the page it's cutting off some of the bottom.

Webpage navigation sorted, Wicklow mountains will be a different story...:eek:

aigster

Outside wrote: »

Entered! Yep, go to the last entry field in the form and hit tab then enter and it worked. Whatever way the browser is displaying the page it's cutting off some of the bottom.

Webpage navigation sorted, Wicklow mountains will be a different story...:eek:

Sorted...off iPhone onto pc... No problem...
Any first time /hybrid types here....
No clue about navigation...

Hello all.

kuro2k

Just signed up to the hybrid again but I'm going to go solo after CP1 this time, I found the guided walking groups very slow last year...

Micilin Muc

aigster wrote: »

Any first time /hybrid types here....
No clue about navigation...

First-time Ultra here. I have never taken a bearing before in my life, so the next 12 weeks will be a steep learning curve. Apart from building up my running mileage to 70 miles a week again, I will spend a lot of time in the Dublin / North Wicklow mountains in the evenings doing recces and learning how to navigate.

aigster

Micilin Muc wrote: »

First-time Ultra here. I have never taken a bearing before in my life, so the next 12 weeks will be a steep learning curve. Apart from building up my running mileage to 70 miles a week again, I will spend a lot of time in the Dublin / North Wicklow mountains in the evenings doing recces and learning how to navigate.

I wouldn't trust myself...first time out..but if anyone was planning a Dublin castle (first bit) !!:) give me a shout.Some non navigated ultras done.Much respect to ultra runners btw.

chesscyclist

The road section from Dublin Castle is very straight forward and probably not worth recce'ing. I might recce it in the car on on a bike.
It would be crucial to recce the mountain sections, in daylight and also in the dark if you are planning to go it alone and want a decent time.
There are two GPS routes on the website, which I am planning to use as a recce in the coming weeks.

Rogue Runner

Micilin Muc wrote: »

First-time Ultra here. I have never taken a bearing before in my life, so the next 12 weeks will be a steep learning curve. Apart from building up my running mileage to 70 miles a week again, I will spend a lot of time in the Dublin / North Wicklow mountains in the evenings doing recces and learning how to navigate.

Likewise. If you keep an eye on the IMRA forum or Facebook page there should be a few recce groups.

jeawan

Hey Guys

I am interested in Running the Ultra but wondering will i be able for it done a full season for adventure races and running 3/4 times a week in wicklow mountains is this a event i would be able to do do you reckon it would be the biggest running race i have done so far .

ThisRegard

You have to ask yourself are you up to running 55k really ? What distances are you up to at the moment ?

jeawan

Largest i have ran is 20km so far .My training runs consist of 11/12k runs up and around ballinastoe / djouce over the sleepers or other mountain areas around there . I think i would not be able to run solidly 55km but running /walking would be possible i think.

Kissy Lips

Enduro

jeawan wrote: »

Largest i have ran is 20km so far .My training runs consist of 11/12k runs up and around ballinastoe / djouce over the sleepers or other mountain areas around there . I think i would not be able to run solidly 55km but running /walking would be possible i think.

Run-walk is a good strategy. Walk the ups, jog everything else. I'd guess that would get you through the course.

To be honest, its the terrain, elevation changes and climatic conditions that make the bigger impact on the difficulty of the event, rather than the distance itself.

Enduro

kuro2k wrote: »

Just signed up to the hybrid again but I'm going to go solo after CP1 this time, I found the guided walking groups very slow last year...

I presume by CP1 that you mean from the Wickow Gap road, up to Art's Cross and on to the finish. That is the hardest section to navigate, so your tactics don't really make sense. If you can navigate the last section then you should be able to navigate the whole route, so wouldn't need to join the walking groups at all. And if you need their help for the first off-road section then you definitely need it for the final section!