Éalú Lua Adventure Race

Éalú Lua Adventure Race takes place on and around beautiful Locha Lua on the river Lee, between Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh and Inchigeela. It consists of a 5km run, a 20km cycle and a 1.5km kayak. It’s a great event for participants of all abilities.

The Adventure Race gets its name from the mythical serpert, “Lua” banished from Gougane Barra by St. Finbarr. Lua stopped to rest between Ballingeary and Inchigeela creating depressions in the land that subsequently filled with water to create the lakes, “Locha Lua”.

Event Details:

Leg 1: Run 5km from Gougane Barra Cross to Ballingeary. This is mainly on a winding regional road open to live traffic. At the end of the route, participants will be running close to cyclists in the opposite direction. Participants will then cross the river lee on the historical Ceimeanna (Stepping Stones) which are narrow and may be slippery. A narrow gravel path leads to the transition area.

Leg 2: Cycle 16km to Kayak transition. The first half is on a winding regional road which is open to traffic including HGV’s and Agricultural traffic. Participants will turn right in Inchigeelagh Village (twice) at marshalled junctions before completing the second half on the narrow ‘South Lake Road’. Beware of overgrown verges, rough surfaces, hidden junctions, country traffic and sudden short ascents and descents. Please take particular care while cycling through the villages.

Leg 3: Kayak 1.5km on a single ‘sit on top’ Kayak. The kayak, buoyancy aid etc. is provided. Participants must use the buoyancy aid provided. (If you have never kayaked before, we recommend you try it out in advaance. Send us a message if you need help getting access to a kayak.)  

Leg 4: Cycle 5km on the South Lake Road to Ballingeary. As participants approach Ballingeary village, runners may be crossing the road. You may be stopped very briefly the marshalled junction.   

Leg 5: This 700m run starts on the main street of the village. It then turns off the road down to the football pitches. The main pitch will have a designated route for running. Please follow it. 

Race Timing Your overall time will be measured from Start to finish. There is no ‘time out’. 

Event Waves:

Race will be started in 4 waves.

• Wave 1 starts at 10:00 am
• Wave 2 starts at 10:15 am
• Wave 3 starts at 10:30 am
• Wave 4 starts at 10:45 am

Please note this is a community event, organised and operated by a group of volunteers. 

This is an over 18’s event. 

This is a community event, organised and operated by a group of volunteers. 

Annual Adventure event in the Lee Valley to take place on 30th September 2023.
Race will be started in 4 waves. Wave 1 starts at 10am.

This is an over 18’s event.