The swim starts from the slipway at the Pier in Kenmare town within Kenmare bay. Competitors swim a set course of 1.2 miles. On exiting the water the transition area on the pier is a short dash. Competitors then begin winding their way towards the first Category 2 climb which is about 15 miles, leaving stunning views of Kenmare Bay behind (weather permitting). After this climb there is a fast descent into the small village of Lauragh. As you pass through Lauragh the cyclists while tempted to pick up speed will need to get ready to take a perpendicular left hand turn and begin the slow gruelling Category 1 climb to the Healy pass. The descent down the other side will give you a welcome opportunity to catch your breath and even appreciate some of the views of Bantry bay on the Cork side of the Beara peninsula. Extreme caution must be exercised on the descent as it is very technical. The journey back towards Glengariff is less eventful. In Glengariff village a sharp left is required to begin return leg to Kenmare and the Category 1 ascent to the Caha Pass. There is many a debate on whether the Caha pass rivals the Healy pass. You will begin a long climb before you enter the tunnel at the top of the Caha Pass you then begin your descent back to Kenmare. This down hill is initially bumpy and a bit challenging in places if you are cycling at pace. However the road becomes reasonably uneventful a few miles out from Kenmare. Hanging a left after Kenmare Bridge the weary cyclists will now head for transition and prepare mentally for another testing event. You will exit the pier crossing back over the Kenmare bridge to start a tough half Marathon course. You take a left which will take you past the luxurious Sheen Falls hotel and taking the next right will send you deep in the scenic Kenmare countryside with its undulating country roads. This section of the road is a loop which brings you back to the Sheen Falls hotel. You now take a right and you have a welcome respite from the hills as you race along the level road beside Kenmare Estuary. The rest is short lived as you are soon faced with the last major challenge of this demanding event as you cross over the Roughty Bridge and climb the hill at the other side. You are now just over a mile from home as you head for Kenmare finishing in the town centre, to well earned applause and refreshments. |