Ireland launches new ARWorld Series Adventure Race

Photo Credit: Valerie O´Sullivan

Adventure racers in Ireland and the community of the South West of Ireland will welcome racers from around the world to the first-ever ARWorld Series Adventure Race to be held in Ireland this summer. Named ‘An Turas Mor’ the race will take place from 14-21 June 2008.

Organised by a passionate team of local adventurers, who are experienced at delivering high-quality adventure races, this race is different from all others as it is being run with its roots deep in the community by those who know and love the area.

Describing the event course director Con Moriarty says, “This race allows teams to explore the most rugged mountain and ocean scenery in Ireland – the wild passes and deep valleys of our five southernmost peninsulas. The entire route is rich in archaeology and passes through areas of spiritual importance to ancient Ireland. I was born and raised roaming these landscapes, and I’m very excited to be part of a team that may redefine adventure racing.”

Making the Turas the richest ARWorld Series race ever, with one of the biggest prize purses ever in an international  adventure race which will be distributed amongst the top five classified teams. First prize also includes a guaranteed spot for the winning team at the ARWorld Championship 2008 taking place in Brazil.

Significant worldwide media coverage is guaranteed for the race with print, online, and global television production packages being finalised.

Geoff Hunt, ARWS Director, "I am delighted to have Ireland join the ARWS in 2008. Working with the team over the past nine months, I’ve experienced first hand the amazing landscape and passion there for the sport. I am excited about the race in 2008 and the ambitious plans for future years, and believe the race, the terrain and organisation will create a memorable and challenging experience not to be missed.”

Registration opens on 1 Feb 2008. The cost is €4,000 per team with an early entry special available until 1 March. The registration fee includes the race entry, all transfers to and from the international airports in Cork and Kerry, hotel accommodation before and after the race, and VIP entry to the post-race festival and prize-giving ceremony.

 Disciplines include: mountain biking, sea-kayaking, mountaineering/trekking, swimming, horse riding, orienteering/micro navigation, traditional boat rowing, and ropes – including the longest zip wire ever in an ARWorld Series event spanning the famous Gap of Dunloe pass. One or two unique mystery events will also be included.

The Details:

- This race is a non-stop adventure race for mixed-sex teams of four people, which will take competitors between four and five days to complete.- The race is unsupported. Teams may not receive any outside assistance during the race. Support will be provided by the organisation.

 - The exact race location will be announced soon. It will cover much of the South West of Ireland through some very special places.

Visit www.anturasmor.com for more details