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GAELFORCE WESTPORT 2026

COMPETITOR INFORMATION

Westport, Co. Mayo Saturday, 13 June 2026

  • IMPORTANT INFORMATION
  • LOCATIONS & HOW TO GET HERE
  • INFORMATION DESK
  • BIKE DROP
  • BIKE COLLECTION
  • RACE MAP
  • EVENT DETAILS
  • SAFETY
  • EVENT RULES
  • CONTACT DETAILS

Welcome to the Gaelforce WESTPORT

Below is everything you need to know to enjoy your race day, from arrival times to the finish line celebrations. Whether this is your first Gaelforce event or one of many, we are delighted to have you with us.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

RACE CUT OFF TIME: 1PM AT THE BASE OF CROAGH PATRICK. COURSE CLOSES AT 5PM.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE IS A 15-MINUTE WALK FROM THE BIKE DROP TO THE START LINE.

LOCATIONS & HOW TO GET HERE

START: Westport Quay F28 W267 BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT – BY TRAIN: Irish Rail services Dublin to Westport   BY CAR: Please carpool where possible. Parking is available in many different carparks in Westport. BIKE DROP: In Westport at the Skate Park/Finish line area.

INFORMATION DESK

In Westport at the Skate Park/Finish line area:

  • Open from 5-9pm on Friday 12 June and from 8-9:30am on race day

  Please come to the information desks ONLY IF:

  • You are an international competitor
  • You did not receive your race pack in the post
  • You forgot/lost your race number

BIKE DROP

Westport Skate Park No parking here, you must cycle your bike from Westport town.   Friday 12 June 5-9pm We highly recommend to drop your bike on Friday evening. Saturday 13 June 8-9:30am Bike drop on Saturday is very limited. Arrive with your bike race-ready:

  • Aerobars removed
  • All cycling equipment, food and drinks securely attached
  • Bike number tag attached to the crossbar
  • No bike repair area at bike drop

Please note: There is a 15-minute walk from the bike drop to the start line.

BIKE COLLECTION

  • All bikes must be picked up at the finish line within 1 hour of finishing the race and by 6pm at the latest. Bikes will no longer be supervised after 6pm.
  • If you have a problem collecting your bike after the race you must contact the finish line manager and we may be able to help you organise a transfer.
  • You must have your race number or photo ID with you.
  • Although this is a self-supported race, if you have any bike problems, we will help you and your bike to the finish line. Your bike may arrive later than you.

Gaelforce Events is not responsible for any cycling equipment misplaced, lost or damaged in the bike drop or transition areas.

RACE MAP

STRAVA ROUTE
  • IMPORTANT INFORMATION
  • LOCATIONS & HOW TO GET HERE
  • INFORMATION DESK
  • BIKE DROP
  • BIKE COLLECTION
  • RACE MAP
  • EVENT DETAILS
  • SAFETY
  • EVENT RULES
  • CONTACT DETAILS
EXPLORE KILLARY ACTIVITIES

EVENT DETAILS

RACE NUMBERS & EVENT INFO POINT Race Packs

  • You must be registered to take part in this event
  • Race packs are sent by post to the address provided when entering online
  • Your race pack includes your race number and safety pins. Please attach your number securely and keep it visible at all times. Your race number contains your timing chip
  • International competitors, or anyone whose race pack has not arrived, can collect their pack from the information desk on the day before or morning of the event

Please know your race number, wave and start time when you arrive onsite.

  EVENT KIT Mandatory:

  • Survival blanket and whistle
  • Windproof/waterproof top
  • Bike (hybrid or road bike)
  • Cycle helmet (can be left with your bike at transition area)
  • Spare bicycle tube/puncture repair kit
  • Water bottle for refilling at water stations. No water bottles available along the route.

Recommended:

  • Suitable cycling shoes and gloves
  • Sturdy walking/trail running shoes
  • Waterproof leggings
  • Course map
  • Energy food and drink.

  Not allowed:

  • Aerobars are not allowed and must be removed for the event.

  RACE LOCATION FACILITIES

  • There are no changing facilities available
  • Toilets are located at Brackloon Woods, the base of Croagh Patrick and the finish line area
  • Water stations at start, Brackloon Woods, Croagh Patrick base and finish line area. Please bring your own water bottle to refill at the water stations.
  • There is a lost and found at the finish line, open until 6pm

  SPECTATORS Spectators are very welcome at the finish line – it’s a great opportunity to welcome the competitor’s home! There is strictly no parking at the finish line, but it’s only a short walk from the centre of Westport. Walk along the Greenway to avoid traffic. Please be aware so as not to be disappointed, spectators will be turned away from all locations. Absolutely no spectators are allowed at Croagh Patrick.   CROAGH PATRICK MOUNTAIN Gaelforce would like to acknowledge and thank all the landowners and stakeholders of Croagh Patrick Mountain for their continued support. We could not hold this event without this support.   ALL COMPETITORS MUST ASCEND AND DESCEND BY THE PATH. Any deviations will result in instant disqualification.   A Sustainable Access and Habitat Restoration project is currently underway on Croagh Patrick, which aims to restore the eroded parts of the mountain and provide a robust path for access. Gaelforce is working with, and fully supports the Croagh Patrick Shareholder Group in protecting the heritage and the landscape of the mountain, and we are committed to ensuring our competitors share this ethos of care. We ask that competitors do not use Croagh Patrick Mountain to train for our race at any time.    On Event Day, there will be a very strict policy on keeping to the path and any competitors who deviate from the path will be instantly disqualified. This is to ensure that the ongoing work on the path is not adversely affected in any way. Please ensure that you 'Leave No Trace' on the mountain and what you bring up with you must come down.   Please be aware Gaelforce does not have exclusive use of the mountain on Event Day and competitors must be respectful of other users.   FINISH LINE The finish line is at Westport Skate Park, with a great atmosphere to welcome you home.   What’s there

  • Collection point for your finisher medal and event merchandise at the information desk
  • Water, fruit, tea, coffee and flapjacks for competitors
  • Music and an MC to celebrate your finish
  • Donation buckets in aid of our charity partner Jigsaw. One hundred percent of donations go directly to supporting their work

  PRIZES

  • Prize giving takes place at 1:30pm at the finish line.
  • Please note that only Wave 1, first-start, participants are eligible for prizes.

  ACCOMMODATION If you have booked a Gaelforce West Stay & Race Accommodation Package at Killary Adventure Centre, you can check in from 5pm on Friday evening before the event. Breakfast will be available for you. Post-event dinner is served at 6:30pm on Saturday in our dining room. Check out is before 11.00am on Sunday morning. You must book accommodation and dinner in advance. Please use your own transport to get to the start line, shuttle buses will not be available from the centre. RESULTS & EVENT PHOTOS Results available on our website the day after the event. Event photos posted on our Facebook page the Tuesday after.

  • IMPORTANT INFORMATION
  • LOCATIONS & HOW TO GET HERE
  • INFORMATION DESK
  • BIKE DROP
  • BIKE COLLECTION
  • RACE MAP
  • EVENT DETAILS
Gaelforce West is turning 20, and in 2026 we are celebrating where it all began.

SAFETY

Exercise care at all times. This is an adventure race, and the route can be difficult and dangerous in places. Roads are not closed for this race, and they are busy, narrow and very steep. You must cycle with care for yourself and other road users.    There are marshals and signage in place along the route for your safety. Parts of the route are off road so it may take a while for medical aid to reach you should you need it.   Be aware that weather conditions are variable. Please take extra care if it is a warm day: hydrate and do not over-exert to a detrimental level. Ireland is experiencing increasingly hot temperatures. Heat stroke (as opposed to heat exhaustion) is an extremely serious condition with a mortality rate of up to 65% and can cause lifelong illness due to organ failure.   If you have a medical condition that we need to be aware of, please drop us an e-mail in advance of the event: info@gaelforceevents.com.   You are responsible for your own safety. We advise that competitors organise their own personal insurance.   To report an accident or incident on race day CALL +353 87 3144 647. Please enter this number into your phone before you arrive at the start line. 

EVENT RULES

For fairness, safety and enjoyment for everyone, we ask all competitors to follow the event rules below.

  • Follow all event rules, instructions & signage. Do not trespass or cut corners.
  • This is an unsupported race. This means that you may not get food, drink, equipment, or technical support such as bike repairs from spectators or helpers along the way, unless you have permission from the Race Director due to a medical condition.
  • Please slow down through the village of Leenane. This is a heavy pedestrian area.
  • Stay on the marked paths on Croagh Patrick Mountain. If you run off the path you will be disqualified immediately.
  • Follow the Road Traffic laws. Cycle on the left on all roads and keep tight to the left, especially on main roads.
  • Use one bike only, with no aerobars. You cannot change your bike during the race.
  • Do not wear headphones. You will need to be able to hear what is happening around you.
  • Respect the environment & local inhabitants. We are very lucky to have access to these stunning routes.
  • Do not litter anywhere on the route. You will be disqualified immediately with no exceptions.
  • Respect & help your fellow competitors. You are all in this together.
  • Listen to our marshals. They are there for your safety.
  • On entering, competitors agree to a declaration to waive liability, confirm acceptance of the rules & agree to the release of personal images to the media and for event promotion purposes.
  • International competitors must have the appropriate travel documents, visas & comprehensive medical insurance in place for this event.
  • The Race Director’s decisions are final.

Rules may be modified to deal with unforeseen circumstances, at the discretion of the race organiser.    

HAVE A GREAT RACE!

  • IMPORTANT INFORMATION
  • LOCATIONS & HOW TO GET HERE
  • INFORMATION DESK
  • BIKE DROP
  • BIKE COLLECTION
  • RACE MAP
  • EVENT DETAILS
  • SAFETY
  • EVENT RULES
Always a great atmosphere and a fun day out for competitors and spectators alike!

CONTACT DETAILS

GAELFORCE EVENTS Leenane, Co. Galway, Ireland, H91 PY61.

info@gaelforceevents.com www.gaelforceevents.com

JIGSAW

We are proud to work with Jigsaw as our exclusive Charity Partner. Jigsaw provides free, confidential mental health supports for young people aged 12 to 25 in communities around Ireland. Support them at your next Gaelforce event.

www.jigsaw.ie

Set up your Jigsaw EveryDay Hero Fundraising Page

  • IMPORTANT INFORMATION
  • LOCATIONS & HOW TO GET HERE
  • INFORMATION DESK
  • BIKE DROP
  • BIKE COLLECTION