1st Connemara Rough Diamond Adventure Race a huge success The first ever Connemara Rough Diamond Adventure Race including the ‘John Wayne Steeplechase’ took place last Saturday, 28th August, on Lettergesh Beach, Co. Galway. The competitors raced over a 1 mile 4 furlong course with hay bales for fences, which was erected early that morning. This hugely successful and historical event commemorated John Wayne’s achievements on the same stretch of sand 60 years ago.
Then it was onto the bikes for a route to Kylemore with breathtaking views of Connemara. Waiting at Kylemore was the “fear gorta” assault course which was one of the fun sections of the course with a surprise around every corner. The final run section was a up Diamond Hill with stunning panoramic views to enjoy.
To top it off there was a tasty post race meal of local mussels and pasta for the participants, just what the doctor ordered to feed the tired leg muscles. The perfect end to a great adventure.
The John Wayne Steeplechase was won by Andrew Carroll (Lucan) and he chose the bonnet afterwards.
The overall race winners were:
1. Paul Mahon (Dublin) 1:33:52
2. Andrew Carroll (Lucan) 1:35:10
3. Brendan Monaghan (Tuam) 1:48:01
The ladies race winners were:
1. Betty Walsh (Newport) 1:51:45
2. Susie Mitchell (Dublin) 1:59:29
3. Michelle Ryan (Athlone) 2:00:55
The West of Ireland Cardiac Foundation Croí will also benefit from funds raised by this unique Connemara event.
See you all next year!
www.connemararoughdiamond.com
More race feedback on www.facebook.com/theconnemararoughdiamond
Comment from Andy Carroll, who won the John Wayne Steeplechase:
‘The Connemara Rough Diamond was the landscape painted by the competitors with their own blood, sweat and tears. Standing on the start line at 1.15pm, eyeing up the competition, adrenaline coursing through the body, the quote from the Count of Monte Cristo “as he turns to the elements and roars ‘do your worst as I will do mine'” resounds before the horn. Mikes energy on the start line is replicated by all the stewards. Over, under, in and out, up and down, fast and slow and finally you cross the finish line on what has been a journey of epic proportions To finish up, just ‘go raibh maith agat’ to the landscape for being there in all her glory and being right on our doorstep. See you next year.’
Comment from Monty Halls (writer, explorer, television presenter, www.montyhalls.co.uk), who won the international category:
‘Just wanted to say well done chaps! Great day, brilliantly organised, and a fabulous course. I am absolutely certain that the Connemara Rough Diamond will become a major event in the adventure race calendar – you’ve created a very special race indeed. I’ll do my best to be back next year.’
Comment from Paul Mahon who was the overall winner of the Connemara Rough Diamond Adventure Race:
‘Just wanted to thank all involved in putting on the Rough Diamond event last weekend. I found it to be well organised right through from registration, the race itself in terms of marshalling and signs and the atmosphere at the finish and post race refreshments. The John Wayne Steeplechase at the start on the beach was challenging and uniquely enjoyable and the effort put into creating the Fear Gorta obstacle course was certainly appreciated by all competitors as was the scenery throughout the course, though I have to admit I did not stop long to appreciate the great views from the top of Diamond Hill. I look forward to competing again next year and have no doubt that the word will spread of this unique and enjoyable event so I guess we had better get our entries in early as it is sure to be very popular.’