No longer challenged by a simple marathon?

If you’ve been looking for a gruelling challenge to test your very soul to its limits, have a look at what’s happening in West Cork this weekend.

Athletes have started arriving on Leeside to prepare for the first-ever Quest 12 Beara, a new, one-day individual unsupported adventure race across 151.91km of uncharted territory on the Beara Peninsula.

The epic race involves dangerous areas of downhill road cycling, mountain running and kayaking and the event is held on open roads that are not closed to traffic, adding extra risk on the day.

At 7am on Saturday, August 28th, participants will set off from Castletownbere Golf Club, run across the Caha Mountains and the Beara way, cycle through the Healy Pass, along the Ring of Beara, and through the picturesque villages of Eyeries and Allihies.

Here’s a look at the route map they’ll be following:

Next they’ll kayak Bantry Bay out to Bere Island and follow an ancient trail run around the island, before finishing on the shoreline of the famous fishing village of Castletownbere.

All participants are expected to be back at the Golf Club by 9pm for the prize-giving ceremony, where Quest 12 Beara trophies will be awarded to the top three male and female competitors.

For last-minute updates and to check out more about the route, visit the race website here.