Sea_2_Summit_ALL_DIGITAL_NO_WATERMARK (358 of 836)

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FAQ's

RACE OVERVIEW

What is the Sea2Summit Adventure Race?

The Westport Sea2Summit adventure race is a unique event based in the adventure capital of Ireland, Westport. The race will incorporate all the thrills that Westport has to offer, Croagh Patrick, Clew Bay, the Sheaffry Mountains and the new Greenway.

Westport Sea2Summit is organised and run by the Westport Plaza & Castlecourt Hotels under the guidance of Race Director, Paul O ‘Brien of Boot Camp West.

Can anyone take part in the race?

The Sea2Summit Adventure Race is designed for athletes OVER 18 YEARS OF AGE. Given a reasonable level of fitness, a desire to challenge yourself and the willingness to do some training, the S2S adventure race offers you the chance to be part of a great experience, boost your fitness and your confidence levels.

The organisation reserves the right to request a formal form of identification such as a driving licence or Passport to ensure that race winners comply with the race guidelines and categories. If a matter of age is brought to the organiser’s attention we reserve the right to reallocate the prizes or final race positions at our discretion.

What are the race categories?

The Sea2Summit Spirit, (S2S) will cater for the participant that wants a challenge but has not taken part in adventure racing before. Duration time for the fastest will be 2.5-3hrs see below for guide on times and abilities

The Sea2Summit Supreme (S2S) is for the participant who wants a challenge. The hike up and down the front face of Croagh Patrick (Murrisk) will hurt the legs and the back breaking ramps at the Maum climb with definitely test your bike and quad muscles. Duration time for the elites will be around 3.5hrs.

In these two races there are 3 categories to choose from. Advanced, Intermediate, Beginner. You will be asked when entering which category you would like to be in. We ask people to enter themselves into a category so that they will be competing alongside competitors of the same standard.

So which category to choose (this is a guide):

• Advanced – If you are a competitive hill runner, tri-athlete, run marathons or cyclist. This would be if you are extremely active every week.
• Intermediate – If you are starting training for S2S with a good level of fitness, maybe go to soccer or rugby training once or twice a week, but have never tried a multi sport event before.
• Beginner – If you are starting from a low level of fitness and this is a whole new challenge for you.

Here are the approximate finishing times for each category:

S2S Supreme 
• Elite under 3.5hrs if male or under 4.5hrs if female.
• Intermediate 4 – 5.5 hrs
• Beginner 5.5 – 7 hrs

S2S Spirit
• Elite under 2.5hrs if male or under 3.0hrs if female.
• Intermediate 2.5 – 3.5 hrs
• Beginner 3.5 – 4.5 hrs

When is registration?

Registration will take place on Friday 8th November, from 1pm in the Castle Late Night Venue.
The Castle Late Night Venue is located beside the Westport Plaza Hotel.
There is no registration on Saturday Morning.

NO REGISTRATION ON SATURDAY MORNING.

When you register, you will receive your race number, and some further written race info relating to the challenge ahead. There will be staff on hand to answer questions.

From Friday at 4pm, bikes can be left in the main transition area at Roman Island situated at the Quay 4k from the race start, where we will have set up racking. It will be safe as the transition area is guarded by the marshals, its up to you to make your way out and back to the race start at the Castlecourt, remember the start is at 9am so allow yourself plenty of time.

What time does the race start?

Supreme race briefing will take place at 7.45am outside in the courtyard of the Castlecourt Hotel, the first Supreme wave will start at 8.00am.
Spirit race briefing will take place at 8.45am outside in the courtyard of the Castlecourt Hotel, the first Spirit wave will start at 9.00am.
Please obey the marshalls, as penalties/disqualifications will apply for not doing so. Participants will line up with Supreme athletes to the front and Spirit athletes at the back. Participants will also be divided into Advanced, Intermediate & Beginner so remember what you sign on as!

THE COURSE

What are the S2S course descriptions?

We encourage you to use the course maps to practice on the Sea2Summit adventure race course in advance.

The Supreme course; The race starts with a run/jog/walk (4k)at the Castlecourt hotel and takes the Distillery road to the Green way on Altamont street, following the green way to the quay and along the banks of the Quay to the Point soccer pitch, there you change on to your bike and follow the road out via the coast to Murrisk (8k) to Croagh Patrick car park, changing shoes to climb the Reek climb (5k) which is widely known and we are using the most used side for the race. On the descent we utter that you take care as the loose shale is dangerous and numerous accidents have occurred there in the past. On the bike for (35k) of rolling hills, taking the main Rd to Louisburgh turning left at Lecanvey for Drummin where the steep climb of the Maum awaits you; recommended gearing on your bike is 39×27 its 25% in places, you get a break at the top of the climb, then on down at he fast descend turning left at Drummin village and on to Liscarney, where you turn left for Westport where its all down hill back to the Point soccer pitch transition area which is the last leg could be the hardest, with a short sea run, cargo net section with Tires and a 4k run/jog/walk back to the Finish via the same route as you can out (the Greenway) the finish is at the Fairgreen overlooking the picturesque river mall.

The Spirit course is similar with the same first run and bike but the hike up the reek only goes as far as the ridge (3k total) and then descends to the car park leaving out the torches Cone. The cycle is also shorter with an easy 11k trip back to the Point soccer pitch. The finish is the same as the Supreme at the Fairgreen.

Are there water stops on the course?

The water stops will be at 2 points on the course:

1. Transition Area 2 ( Croagh Patrick Car Park) water station with cups provided.

2. Greenway Entry Point water station with cups.

We advise all competitors to have water on their bike.

What are the distance breakdowns for S2S?

The Sea2Summit Supreme:
4k run
8k cycle
5k Mountain run (Croagh Patrick) at half distance the Summit (2.5k) and at bottom (5k)
35k cycle hilly cycle at (14k )The Maum and at end of cycle back
4k run
Total distance 56km

The Sea2Summit Spirit:
4k run
8k cycle
3k Mountain run (Croagh Patrick)at half distance The Ridge (1.5k) and at bottom (3k)
11k cycle end back at T1
4k run
Total distance 30km

Do I have to navigate on the course?

While navigation skills are not a requirement, do not travel faster than your route knowledge ALLOWS. The route will be marked with signs/arrows, there will be Marshalls on the major junctions but always proceed with caution as this is an unsupported adventure challenge.

Will the race go ahead in bad weather?

If the situation arrives that we are unlucky enough to get weather that may be dangerous to participants, the organiser may have to make a decision to shorten or take out certain sections of the course, and this will only be decided on the morning.

Where are the transition areas?

Your bikes must be left at Roman Island. It is situated at the Quay 4k from the official start at the Westport Plaza & Castlecourt Hotels.

Bikes can be left in transition area 1 on Friday from 1.30pm. No Pick Up Allowed Before 2.30pm.

All competitors will be wearing a race number for the event and will be issued a race number for their bike. This will help you and us at the transitions. Race numbers will be issued at race registration with your pack. For the 2nd bike transitions within the event, the bikes will be safe and secure. You will need to pick up your bike from the main transition area at Roman Island by 4pm.

» Transition Area 1: Westport Town

» Transition Area 2: Murrisk

» Transition Area 3: Westport Town

» Westport Sea2Summit Town Sections

Is first aid available on the course?

Yes, Civil Defence volunteers will be available at certain points along the course (see map). However, you must carry your mandatory kit with you at all times as most of the route will be unsupported.

What happens at the finish?

There will be hot soup & snacks available in the finishing line marquee. Remember to wrap up well at the finish line.

Race marshalling

Please obey the race organisation at all times. This includes Civil Defense, Mayo Mountain Rescue, Gardai, Volunteers and all race personnel. On the bike, cycle no more than two abreast and pull in where possible if a vehicle is behind you.

Is there an age restriction?

Westport Sea2Summit is an over 18’s Event.

Can I get a refund if I do not attend?

When paying for your entry to the Sea2Summit it is stipulated that this is a non-refundable payment. As soon as a competitor enters, costs such as admin etc. are incurred. It is not possible to transfer entries to any other events or for next year’s event, or change names with a different competitor.

Where do I leave my bike?

Your bikes must be left at Roman Island. It is situated at the Quay 4k from the official start at the Westport Plaza & Castlecourt Hotel Resort on Castlebar St Westport. Once registered you will have to leave you bike out there, this transition area will be marshaled. All competitors will be wearing a race number for the event and will be issued a race number for their bike. This will help you and us at the transitions. Race numbers will be issued at race registration with your pack. For the 2 bike transitions within the event, the bikes will be safe and secure. You will need to pick up your bike from the main transition area at the Point soccer pitch by 4pm, so that we can tidy up.

The 2nd bike Transition is 8k out at the start of the hill run/walk (Croagh Patrick) car park Murrisk. This area will be marshalled and bike racking will be again in numbered order. Always best to know your number and pick a land mark at where you left you bike at transition.

Once in race mode it is sometimes easy to get confused when you return.
The 3rd Bike transition will be again back at Roman Island at the Quay. Remember to collect your bike before 4pm.

Litter Policy 

Westport is one of Ireland’s tidiest towns and with this in mind we ask all our competitors to please dispose of all their litter correctly.

Westport Sea2 Summit endorses the Leave no Trace Principle. Do not discard any litter on the mountain. Race marshals will monitor and participants will face disqualification or time penalties for non compliance.

Mountain Safety

Please give way to competitors descending the mountain. All competitors must stay on the defined marked mountain path. Competitors who stray from the path will be subject to a time penalty and/or disqualification.

ID & OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Your race number must be visible to race marshals at all times. Failure to display your race number may result in penalties

Can I use an ipod or headphones?

No, If you wear either you will be disqualified on the spot. Safety is a huge priority and failing to adhere to instructions or the sound of oncoming traffic can cause a serious accident to you, fellow competitors and to the general public.

Race Marshalling

EQUIPMENT

What is the mandatory kit for the race?

This mandatory kit is required by all participants:

PHOTO ID REQUIRED AT REGISTRATION
• Basic first aid kit (Minimum: 1 x Dressing Pad for heavy bleeding (field dressing); 1 x bandage, plasters)
• Survival bag or foil blanket
• Whistle
• Energy food and drink
• Bicycle helmet for cycling section

Do I need to carry my mandatory kit always?

Yes, you must carry the following mandatory kit – basic first aid kit, survival blanket, whistle, energy food). You must wear a cycling helmet on cycle legs and carry a repair kit on your bike.

What type of bike do I need for S2S?

Bicycle Guide

Safety first; you should ensure that the bike is properly serviced, with working brakes, you will be descending off hills with STEEP gradients, so you want to feel safe and confident on your bike.

You must OBEY the rules of the road at all times as the race will be held on open roads.(the good news they are quiet) Wearing of a helmet is compulsory this can be left with the bike at the transition areas while on the running sections.

Bike choices in terms of Speed:

• A road bike (racer) will be the fastest choice for this course.
• A triathlon bike would probably be somewhat slower on the climbs and descents.
• A mountain bike with slick tyres would be slower.
• A mountain bike with knobbly tyres would be slowest of all.

Can I rent a bike locally?

Yes, Westport Bike Shop 098 24966  westportbikeshop.ie

What type of shoes do I need?

With Croagh Patrick Trail Shoes are recommended for both run and hike sections. Trail shoes are specifically designed to give greater grip and stability for off running terrain as will be encountered in the S2S run sections.

What other equipment should I have?

You will need your own bike. You could rent a bike at CLEW BAY BIKE HIRE but book early to avoid disappointment. You will also need some more mandatory kit. This mandatory kit will be confirmed to all registered participants by email no later than 1st November. The list will be basic and is likely to comprise of the following:

• Basic first aid kit (Minimum: 1 x Dressing Pad for heavy bleeding (field dressing); 1 x bandage, plasters)
• Survival bag or foil blanket
• Whistle
• Energy food and drink
• Bicycle helmet for cycling section

Other Items that may be required are:

• Gloves
• Hat (Buff Headwear or equivalent IS sufficient)
• Spare fleece shirt
• Water-proof top with Taped seams
• Water-proof bottoms
• Small rucksack or suitable bumbag

We’ll let you know in advance whether these items are needed – weather forecast dependent.
You must bring all mandatory equipment to registration.
Pre-race, during and post races checks will be undertaken in relation to Mandatory Kit.
Penalties will be imposed.

TRAINING

Are there any structured training sessions available?

Details to be confirmed.

Are training tips and guidelines available?

Yes, race director Paul O’Brien will be posting weekly tips on our website and facebook page.

Can you help if I have a question?

Yes, of course. Just drop us a mail at info@westportsea2summit.ie and we’ll get back to you with an answer.

TIMING

At Friday Night Registration you will also receive your electronic timing chip which you will wear throughout the event.

Can I see my split times?

At Friday Night Registration you will also receive your electronic timing chip which you will wear Your progress through the course (and results) is measured with the use of electronic timing equipment, part of which requires the wearing of a small device on your ankle. Results will sent to your mobile phone via text message following the event. Full results will be posted on the website after the event.

When will results be available?

Once every competitor has finished we will have DRAFT results ready, each competitor will get a text message of their own results after crossing the finish line. The best place to see the full results is at the race after party and buffet in the Castlecourt Hotel at 8pm. This is included in the cost of your entry.

ACCOMMODATION & AFTER PARTY

Is accommodation available?

The central hub for the Sea2Summit Weekend is the Westport Plaza & Castlecourt Hotels which is located in the heart of Westport town and close to bars, pubs and shops. Accommodation is also available in the Westport Coast Hotel & ASgard Apartments. Featuring 2 luxurious 4 star hotels, a choice of bars, restaurants, leisure centre and Spa Sula, it is the only place to stay for the Sea2Summit Weekend. The event is organised by the resort and this is where the race will start. Our sister hotel, the Westport Coast Hotel & Asgard Apartments, Westports only Waterfront Hotel, also offers fantastic packages for the event.