Looking forward to taking part in the Bantry Bay Adventure Race? We’ve gathered together the information you’ll need before you register.
If you have any further questions after reading our FAQs, please don’t hesitate to contact us on email at info@bantrybayadventurerace.com or our Facebook page!
Event Sign-In
Registration and bike drop-off will take place on Bantry’s Abbey Pier from 6:30 to 9am on the event morning. You can also register at the Pier on the Friday evening before the race from 6:30-8pm.
Important: You must allow time for the 10-minute walk from the Abbey Pier to the Marina departure point. Tides this year mean that we will not be able to run the ferry from the Abbey Pier. Parking is available at the Westlodge Hotel. No parking is available at the Abbey Pier.
Our three waves leave Bantry’s Marina Pier at 8am, 9am and 10am, with the race waves starting at 8:30am, 9:30am, and 10:30am.
Miss the ferry, miss the race!
If you are a registered event participant, you will be able to pick up your event number, timing chip, and any other info you require at the Abbey Pier, Bantry, on the Friday evening (6:30pm-8pm) or on the day of the race from 6:40 – 7:40am (Wave One) or 7:40 – 8:40am (Wave 2) or 8:40-9:40am (Wave 3). You should place your race number on the front of your outfit with the pins we provide.
Our registration unit will be clearly marked as you approach Bantry on the N71. It is located close to the area where bikes are stored. It is vital that you do not park in front of the registration area: stewards will guide you to adequate parking a very short walk away at the Westlodge Hotel.
Start Time
Choose your own wave time at the point of registration. If you need to alter your wave at any point, you can make the alteration on the registration website or email us to make the change.
Important: Wave changes must be notified in advance as we have absolute limits on ferry capacity.
Wave One will take the 8:00am ferry across from the Abbey Pier to Whiddy Island. Running will start at 8:30am. Wave Two will leave Bantry at 9:00am for a 9:30am run start. Wave Three will leave Bantry at 10:00am for a 10:30am run start.
You MUST be on time to register and board the ferry. Ferries will not be delayed under any circumstances. Allow min. 10 minutes after registration to walk to the Marina Pier.
The ferry price is included in your entry fee.
Please note that there is a strict age restriction –
all participants must be aged 18 or above.
There can be no exceptions to this rule.
Kayaks & Kayak Transition
Double sit-on-top kayaks will be used for all participants – this is the teamwork element of the event.
Times will be paused at the end of the run, resuming when you join the kayak section of the race with the nearest available run finisher. While there is bound to be some unevenness in people’s skills, it is a test of teamwork and co-operation above all else!
Tip: As timing is paused, participants tend to use their time on the pier to select a partner to kayak with who matches their level of ability.
Transitions & Timing
The clock will run continuously, apart from during the period from the end of the run to the start of the kayaking, and from the end of the kayaking to the start of the cycling leg (to ensure safe transfer of cyclists onto a brief stretch of the N71). Each competitor must complete the prescribed distance in each discipline one after the other in the designated order.
What Equipment Do I Need?
We recommend that you bring:
A small backpack / wearable bag
A windproof / waterproof top
A spare light/mid fleece
A small First Aid kit
Your drink bottle
Energy bars
Hat and Gloves
Whistle
The nature of the run means that specialist trail-running shoes will not be necessary.
Don’t forget to bring your helmet, your pump & puncture repair kit.
Adventure Race Prizes
Prizes will be awarded in each category (men’s or women’s) as follows:
€150 Edge Sports Shop Vouchers – First Place
€100 Edge Sports Shop Vouchers – Second Place
€50 Edge Sports Shop Vouchers – Third Place
Ferry Arrangements
The ferry price is included in the entry, and you will need to board the ferry at the time specified for your wave (8am, 9am or 10am) at the Marina Pier – allow 10 minutes to walk here from the Abbey Pier where registration takes place.
Spectators are welcome to travel to the island on the regular Whiddy Island ferry which will run to its usual timetable on the day of the Adventure Race.
Do I Need to Bring a Bike and Helmet?
Yes, you’ll need to provide a bike and a helmet. We’ll hold your bike for you at the transition point near the Abbey pier in Bantry.
The bikes will be racked in a secure manned area adjacent to the kayak landing point in a neutralized zone at the start of the cycle leg which is the final discipline.
Cycle shoes can be left with the racked bikes, and other shoes can also be left in this area for collection after the cycle. You can also leave drinks and any change of clothes beside your bike as you may need them after the kayak leg..
Is Kayak Hire Included?
Bantry Bay Adventure Race is providing kayaks, paddles, and buoyancy aids for all participants. You may be required to take “Time Out” (with the clock stopped) in the transition zone. Kayak partners will be assigned on the basis of the time people reach the departure point, though there is some flexibility if you would like to select a partner for this leg.
Parking
There will parking available for participants at the following locations:
• Westlodge Hotel Overflow Car Park – access point by Sailing Club and Westlodge Hotel (marshalls will direct you here)
• Bantry Town, free with 2 and 3 hour limits
• Public Car Parks (Free and no time limit) on Pier Road, off Wolfe Tone Square.
The Abbey Pier is located between the Westlodge Hotel and Bantry House (both easily located on Google Maps) on the N71. There is strictly no parking at the Abbey Pier.
Rules and Conditions
The Bantry Bay Adventure Race (BBAR) is an endurance and versatility sport comprising a combination of running, kayaking and cycling. The clock will run continuously apart from during the periods (a) between the end of your run and the start of your kayaking, and (b) the end of the kayaking to the point where the cycle begins (this second measure is in place to ensure safety as entrants move out onto a brief stretch of the N71).
Every competitor must complete the prescribed distance in each discipline, one after the other in the above order.
Contingency Plans
The Organising Committee has prepared a set of contingency plans should the weather on the day not be suitable for the health & safety of the athletes.
Refund Policy
Each athlete upon payment of the entry fee must accept these rules and any changes made to the event. No refunds shall be forthcoming.
If you have to withdraw in advance of the race, we will do our best to help you allocate the place to an athlete on our waiting list. Places are only transferable if transfer is agreed with the organisers in advance of the event (Contact info@bantrybayadventurerace.com with any queries).
After all places are allocated, we will maintain a waiting list.
