Gaelforce West, live.

Run, kayak and climb across Connemara and Mayo

Gaelforce West is a one day adventure race of 68 km that runs, paddles and cycles from the Lough Inagh Valley in Connemara over Croagh Patrick to Westport.

The 2027 race is on Saturday 12 June, organised by Gaelforce Events from Leenane on Killary Fjord. Two races share the day and the finish line at Westport Skate Park just outside Westport. Gaelforce West covers 68 km in six stages, and Gaelforce Westport covers 34 km closer to town with no kayak.

Gaelforce West starts with a 13.5 km run from Lough Inagh Valley under the Maamturks and the Twelve Bens, then a 1 km loop on Killary Fjord in a two person sit-on-top kayak. After a short run comes a 36.5 km road cycle through Leenane and the Partry and Sheeffry valleys to Croagh Patrick. Bikes are left at the foot of the mountain for a 4.5 km run or walk on the steep upper slopes, which reach 764 m at the summit, before a final 12 km cycle into Westport.

Gaelforce Westport starts at Westport Quay and adds 7.5 km of running and 26.5 km of cycling, through Brackloon Woods and onto Croagh Patrick to a turnaround point. Both races are chip timed, and Gaelforce West has a cut-off at the base of Croagh Patrick.

No kayaking experience is needed, and many entrants come from running, cycling or the gym. Bikes are dropped off on the Friday before the race. Spectators are welcome at the finish area at Westport Skate Park.

On Livebib you can follow a participant live if they choose to share their own position from the phone they carry. That position comes from the participant, not from the race timing, and the official results are published by the organiser.