Sports Academy International (Sports AI) and the University of Limerick Activity Centre have announced details of Ireland’s newest adventure event in Killaloe, County Clare, today.

Clare, Munster -- (SBWire) -- 06/18/2010 -- The Lough Derg Monster, which takes place on Saturday July 24th, is a team-only event and will challenge participants to kayak, cycle and run around Lough Derg and the scenic hills of East Clare .

The 52km course will feature a kayak section (1.5m) across the sheltered waters of Lough Derg, two cycle sections (38km in total) through Ballycuggeran forest and the East Clare Way, and three separate runs (13km in total) through the Crag Hill and around the lake.

Tomas Madigan, CEO of Sports AI said the Lough Derg Monster was being organised in response to a resurgence in the popularity of adventure sports across Ireland.

Mr. Madigan explained: “There has been a huge surge in interest among outdoor enthusiasts and sports people in recent years in relation to adventure sports and events such as this. The success of our Tri3 series in Galway, Cahir and Kilrush has underlined the demand for adventure events and we are delighted to be able to organise this unique event for the Mid West region”.

“The event will provide competitors with a healthy, challenging workout and an opportunity to enjoy one of Ireland’s most scenic locations”, he added.

The progress of participants through the challenging course will be measured with the use of SPORTIdent electronic timing equipment, part of which requires competitors to wear a small device on their wrist.

Prizes will be awarded to teams of two that finish first in the following categories: All Male, All Female, Mixed, Junior (combined age less than 40), Veteran (combined age over 80), and first-time adventure racers.

Course Information:
- Stage 1: Bike 27km. Teams will start this race in the saddle; the initial climb through Ballycuggeran forest will be on gravel roads. Then will come the most technical bike section teams descend over loose ground on a section of the East Clare Way. Soon after it is back onto sealed roads before finally rejoining the forest gravel roads.
-Stage 2: Hill run 7km. This is mainly on forest roads but will take in some good old Irish bog and a couple of streams
-Stage 3: Bike 9km. This section takes team through the final forest section before descending on sealed country roads to the bike drop point.
-Stage 4: Run 1km. This short run will take teams form the bike transition to the Kayak start.
-Stage 5: Kayak 1.5km. The kayak section will take place on the sheltered waters of Lough Derg in Double sit-on-top kayaks
-Stage 6: Hill run 5km. This final test will take teams on the narrow and steep trails of crag hill on a scenic loop, finishing back at UL Activity Centre.

For further information on the Lough Derg Monster or to register for the event visit http://www.loughdergmonster.com. A registration fee of €100 for teams of two includes kayaks and all safety equipment. Participants must provide their own bicycle.

Notes To Editor:
-Tomas Madigan and/or Tony Griffin are available for interview. To arrange please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy PR on 086-8534900 or media@dunphypr.com
-High resolution images relating to the Lough Derg Monster may be downloaded from www.dunphypr.com
-About SAI: Sports AI is a professional sports event management firm specialising in the creation of and consultancy on major sports events.