Carlingford Adventure Race Off Road Duathlon
With its combination of country-road cycling, forest trails, mountain paths and dramatic views around Carlingford, the Carlingford Adventure Race promises to bring something different to close the 2026 season!
Two courses, one big adventure
The Carlingford Adventure Race takes place on Saturday 10th October 2026, starting in Carlingford, Co. Louth.
The one-day off road duathlon endurance event combines cycling on scenic country roads with trail running through forests and mountain paths across the spectacular Cooley Peninsula.
With two courses available – Sport Short course and Expert Long course this is a great close to the 2026 season.
Discover the course, routes and more about the race on the Carlingford Adventure Race website.
Expert and short course
The event has been designed to welcome a wide range of abilities, from people looking to complete their first adventure race to experienced endurance athletes.
Expert Long Course
52km cycling + 12km running
The five-leg course consists of:
36km bike → 7km trail run → 5km bike → 5km trail run → 11km bike
The Expert course features approximately 1,220m of climbing, including the 7km Lumpers trail section and a 5km off-road loop through Jenkinstown Forest.
Sport Short Course
30km cycling + 5km running
The shorter option consists of:
19km bike → 5km trail run → 11km bike
With approximately 490m of climbing, the Sport course provides a more accessible introduction to the event while still delivering the Cooley Peninsula adventure experience.
Thinking about your first adventure race?
If you’ve never done an adventure race before the Sport course has been specifically designed to give newcomers an opportunity to experience multi-sport racing without committing to the longer Expert course.
You’ll need to be comfortable cycling the required distance and running 5km off-road. You’ll just need a safe, roadworthy bike, an approved cycling helmet and suitable running shoes as essentials.
Carlingford adventure race also recommends wearing running shoes throughout the event, instead of clip-in shoes for cycling.
Because the Carlingford course includes forest and mountain paths, it’s also worth preparing for changing weather and uneven ground. Trail shoes with good grip, weather-appropriate clothing, fluids and nutrition are sensible additions.
As this is a Triathlon Ireland-sanctioned event, participants should also check the current Triathlon Ireland competition rules and race-specific instructions before race day. A helmet must be securely fastened whenever you are in possession of your bike.
What to expect on race day
Expect a very different experience from a standard road race. You’ll move between cycling and running sections, with transitions forming part of the challenge.
The course takes competitors from the roads around Carlingford into forest and mountain terrain before bringing them back towards the town. The changing surface means pacing and footing are just as important as speed.
For first-timers, the biggest tip is simple: don’t treat the first section as a standalone race. You still have plenty of work to do after the opening bike or run. Start steady, find your rhythm and save something in the tank for the final kms!
It is also worth familiarising yourself with the route beforehand. Knowing where the climbs, trail sections and transitions are can make race day much less of an unknown.
Course maps and GPX downloads
The official Carlingford Adventure Race website provides interactive course maps, elevation profiles and downloadable GPX, TCX and FIT files for the individual course legs.
These can be downloaded for use on compatible bike computers and GPS watches.
View the official Carlingford Adventure Race course maps and GPX downloads
The maps cover every section of both courses, including the 36km and 19km opening bike legs, the Lumpers and Jenkinstown trail runs, and the final rides back towards Carlingford.
Carlingford adventure race FAQ
Do I need to be an experienced triathlete?
This is a duathlon rather than a traditional swim-bike-run triathlon, and the Sport course is aimed at newcomers as well as experienced participants.
What do I need to take part?
At minimum, you’ll need a safe, roadworthy bike, an approved cycling helmet and suitable running shoes. Check the event’s final athlete information for any additional mandatory equipment or race-day requirements. You’ll also need Triathlon Ireland Full Membership or One Day Membership to take part.
Do I need a road bike?
The event combines road cycling with off-road running, and the official course information describes the bike sections as road routes. A suitable, well-maintained roadworthy bike is therefore the sensible choice.
Which course should I choose for my first adventure race?
The Sport course is the obvious starting point for newcomers: 19km cycling, 5km trail running and a final 11km cycle back towards Carlingford.
Is the Expert course difficult?
It is a substantial endurance challenge, covering 52km of cycling and 12km of running with approximately 1,220m of climbing. It is aimed at more experienced competitors who are comfortable with longer distances and hilly terrain.
Who can take part?
The event is open to triathletes, road runners, trail and mountain runners, ultra runners, cyclists, mountain bikers and anyone looking for a new challenge!
Will I need Triathlon Ireland membership?
One day membership is available for the race (here) but Full Triathlon Ireland membership offers cover for training alone and access to all Triathlon Ireland sanctioned events.
Where does the race take place?
The event starts in Carlingford, Co. Louth, with the wider course taking in the Cooley Peninsula.
When is the race?
Saturday, 10th October 2026.
How do I register?
Enter at triathlonireland.com
Note: Due to this being a new event, images on this page are not from the Carlingford Adventure Race.
