The Quest Series dominates Ireland's adventure racing calendar, and for good reason. I was genuinely shocked by the steep hills at QUEST Glendalough. Then brought close to hypothermia in a biblical storm at QUEST Kenmare. But finally I got the hang of it, allowing me to enjoy their longest and most scenic race at QUEST Killarney.
This left only one race to finish the QUEST Series; and it was the most local to me. Having only returned from Spain 12hrs before the start, I wasn't amazingly well rested, but the weather and my excitement easily made up for that.
I arrived in Killaloe early, found great parking and went to registration where they gave out nice hoodies. Gavin Sheehan was the photographer as usual so I chatted to him while looking at the floating bridge they put up across the Shannon. It was sunny and warm so I put on loads of sunscreen while filling up on water. It got busy fast, and we slowly migrated to the road and marked start line. I made my way towards the front of the pack, just as Ollie gave his race briefing and a countdown to send us off.
The first 7km cycle was horrendously steep. One hill had the majority of people walking, but I slowly and steadily weaved between them. At the top we racked our bikes and started a 7km trail run around Millennium Cross. The day was stunning, and extra clear from up here. You could see every bit of Lough Derg (Ireland's second largest lake), and the peak by the cross was a highlight. I felt tired and very warm, so I took it nice and slow as I've learned to do. It was very hilly on the return, seeming like it would never end, but soon we reached the bikes.
Next was a 26km cycle, following the eastern coast of the lake. It had some surprisingly big climbs on the way, which I kept a fast pace through. I looked across the water to Moylussa; Clare's highest mountain and the biggest challenge we'd face later today. This cycle was a lovely section, though it did drag on so I chatted to others to pass the time. The coastal road brought us back into Killaloe where we were diverted to the new floating bridge. I dismounted and ran across while being cheered on by 100's of supporters. This bridge was very cool.
On the western side of the lake, we ran (strangely far) with our bikes before being allowed back on. The weather was ridiculously nice, cooking us for the next 10km cycle, which looped around the country roads below Moylussa. A shorter section, but with hills that made it no less torturous. I was so happy to rack the bike in the next transition, knowing that all cycling was essentially done. The short 1km kayak loop was next, made extra fun as my friends were helping with gear and safety for it. A short loop, maybe 5mins, returning with a view of Moylussa above.
In the transition area I ate a bar and drank some extra water before this last stage; a 12km trail run to the summit of Moylussa and back. I took it tactically, with a fast paced hike all the way up. Short bursts of running helped me overtake a lot of people, then back to hiking to keep my heart rate low. The steep sections near the top are brutal at the best of times, but I was soon crossing the boardwalk to the peak. I could see Millenium Cross in the distance and it looked tiny. It also seemed like a distant memory being up there that morning. It always amazes me how much you pack into a day at these events.
Running back down was pure joy. The expert route took an odd turn to make it a loop, but stayed almost entirely downhill to the bikes. I loved it, and let myself sprint wherever the footing was good enough. I made sure I was feeling pretty tired when I got back to the bike for the home straight into Killaloe. Just 4km, and mostly downhill to help even more. As I approached the town I dismounted and ran with my bike to the bridge and across the water. There were massive crowds of supporters and they hosed everyone down to help with the heat. Crossing under the line I felt overjoyed, not just for this race, but in having completed the whole series.
4hrs 43mins 48s
I genuinely loved this race, and the series as a whole. I'd struggle to pick a favourite when Glendalough and Killarney were so beautiful, but this just may be it. I stuck around to enjoy the food (especially the flapjacks) before packing up my gear. The atmosphere is always fun, and I managed to get a photo with Gavin this time, since he's essentially taken every picture of me throughout these four events. I was proud as I left, obviously to have finished this goal, but more so to think back on how much I'd learned through these four races.
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