“The intention is an enjoyable event that gives as much back to the community as possible”.
COUNTY Limerick is hosting a Headless Horseman Adventure Race on Sunday, April 8. The inaugural event was first set up last year by Fiona Hayes who was eager to hold a multifaceted outdoor event to showcase all that Kilmallock, Ballyhoura and the Lough Gur region have to offer.
The race comprises of a seven mile cycle from Kilmallock to the Ballyhoura Trail followed by a six mile run/climb, an 18 mile cycle from Ballyhoura to Lough Gur, where contestants will kayak for three miles, and the final stage involves a 9.5 mile cycle from Lough Gur to Kilmallock, finishing with a one mile run through the town.
It is hoped that thousands will avail of the opportunity to visit this beautiful area.
The event takes place on Sunday April 8 (Easter Sunday) and forms part of the Kilmallock Festival, which runs from April 7 to 9 and was launched last week at the Deebert House Hotel with the help of celebrities and ambassadors for the Hope Foundation, who primarily work to free street children and poor families from lives of pain, abuse and poverty.
Guests included actor and comedian Jon Kenny, Teena Gates, journalist and author of ‘one foot in front of the other’ and local GAA sports people, including Limerick Senior Hurler Graeme Mulcahy.
Anyone willing to take part in the race in aid of the Hope Foundation can avail of a discount off their entry.
The message from the festival committee is loud and clear:
“We are going to develop this festival and its intention is to be a sustainable and enjoyable event that gives as much back to the community as possible”.
The festival line-up includes a fun cycle event for all abilities at 2pm on Saturday April 7, followed by a kids disco at 4pm and a free candlelight concert from the Abbey at 7pm.
The Headless Horseman race begins at 8.30pm on Easter Sunday, which will cover 45 miles in total and can be undertaken solo or as part of a team.
Race organiser Fiona Hayes told the Limerick Post that individuals would benefit from forming teams or groups in order to have a support network and an extra boost to finish the race.
“This race is tough but we are catering for teams along with solo participants in order to make this achievable for everyone.
“This is going to be a very scenic race where competitors will take in the Ballyhoura Mountain Trails along with Lough Gur, County Limerick”.
Sunday’s post-race events include a parade through the town of Kilmallock, including street performers and entertainers on Sarsfield Street.
The focus will be a fun day for all the family in a safe and well marshalled environment.
The feature event on Sunday evening is live music from The Strypes and Hermitage Green and tickets are available from Fitzgerald’s off license and pub in Kilmallock and Deebert House Hotel.
More information is available on the Kilmallock Festival and Headless Horseman Adventure Race websites.
Charlotte Grimley, Hope Foundation, Graeme Mulcahy, Limerick Senior Hurler, Fiona Hayes, Headless Horseman Adventure Race organiser, Jon Kenny and Teena Gates.
