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Off The Bloom
Following on from the postponement of last year’s Off the Bloom Adventure Race, 2022 Off the Bloom Race plans to be even bigger and better.
Set in the picturesque village of Kinnitty Co Offaly the splendid Slieve Bloom Mountains, will provide the backdrop to the start and finish of the 4th edition of the challenging Off The Bloom Adventure Race.
Over the course of the race, competitors will take in the breathtaking views of the Irish midlands while hiking/running, kayaking, and biking their way through the natural peat-lands bogs, and rolling mountain ranges of the Slieve Blooms mountains. There are two epic races to pick from including the 70km Elite Race and the 37km Sport Race.
This is your opportunity to experience Adventure Racing in the heart of Ireland.
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Race Details
Sport Route (37km)
1 km Run- 22 km Cycle
- 5 km Mountain Run
- 7 km Cycle
- 1 km run
1 km Run
22 km Cycle
5 km Mountain RunKinnitty vilage is the perfect setting to kick start your Off the Bloom Adventure Race. Competitors will make a quick 1km dash from the the centre of the village to the bike transition, where they will safely mount their bikes and set off on the first leg of this epic one day Multi-Sport Adventure.
Cycle 1st leg
The 22km cycling route takes in the breathtaking views of the Midlands while passing through some of the oldest natural peatland bogs in Ireland.
The first 9km takes you into Ballyboy Village. Try not to be tempted to stop at the famous Dan and Mollys thatched Public house at the corner of the village.
Dan & Molloys is the only remaining traditional thatched Public house in County Offaly and is well worth a visit, but not during your Adventure race.
At Dan and Molloys Pub, you will take a right-hand turn heading for Cadamstown. Prepare for a long gradually hill climb until you reach Cadamstown.
When you get to Cadamstown, you have a flat 2km section before you face the ascent of the Slieve Bloom Mountains.
This grueling test of mind and character will challenge you to the limit on one of the oldest mountain ranges in Europe.
Run Section
Having conquered the Blooms, Competitors will rack their bikes in the transition area locally known as the Lime Kiln. Your 5 km trail run/hike brings you deep into the belly of Glenregan forest.
Please be advised to wear trail runners. This run is mainly on fire roads, but expect a few surprises along the way.
Cycle 2nd Leg.
Once you have completed the demanding 5km trail run, you arrive back at the transition to tackle the last section of the race.
This 7km cycle brings you back down the side of the mountain into Kinnitty village. This part of the race is very technical and will require you to feather your brakes at certain stages.
Please observe the instructions of the marshals and be prepared to stop at the T-junction in Kinnitty Village.
When you arrive back to Kinnitty GAA centre, rack your bike and sprint the final 1km to the finishing line, remembering to smile to the waiting Off the Bloom official photographer.
Elite Route (70km)
- 1 km run
- 1 km Kayak
- 22 km cycle
- 1 km run
- 26 km cycle
- 12 km Mountain Run/Hike
- 7 km cycle
1 km KayakNot for the faint hearted, the Off the Bloom Elite course is intended to challenge the seasoned adventurer. Setting out at Kinnitty village, competitors will sprint to their bikes making their way to Pallas Lake.
Cycle 1st leg
This 22km route will pass through the historic peatland bogs until you get to Ballyboy village. Try not to be tempted to stop at the famous Dan and Mollys thatched Public house at the corner of the village.
Dan and Molloys is the only remaining traditional thatched Public house in County Offaly and is well worth a visit, but not during your Adventure race.
You will continue on through the hinterland of Erry and through the village of Mountbolus before reaching Pallas Lake.
Kayak section
When you arrive at Pallas Lake, you will rack your bike where the safety crew will hand out buoyancy aids. The Kayak section is a 1km loop of the lake under the supervision of the water safety crew.
Cycle 2nd leg.
This is by far the toughest part of the Elite cycle. The cycle route brings you back through the villages of Mountbolus and Ballyboy.
At Dan and Molloys Pub in Ballyboy, you will take a left-hand turn heading for Cadamstown.
Prepare for a long gradual hill climb until you reach Cadamstown.
When you get to Cadamstown, you have a flat 2km section before you face the ascent of the Slieve Bloom Mountains.
This grueling test of mind and character will challenge you to the limit on one of the oldest mountain ranges in Europe.
Run Section
Having conquered the Blooms, Competitors will rack their bikes in the transition area locally known as the Lime Kiln. Your 12km trail run/hike brings you deep into the belly of Glenregan forest and then go off-road climbing to the top of the mountain.
Please be advised to wear trail runners. This run is mainly on fire roads, but expect a few surprises en route.
Cycle 3rd Leg.
Once you have completed the demanding 12km trail run, you arrive back at the transition to tackle the last section of the race.
This 6.5km cycle brings you back down the side of the mountain into Kinnitty village. This part of the race is very technical and will require you to feather your brakes at certain stages.
Please observe the instructions of the marshals and be prepared to stop at the T-junction in Kinnitty Village.
When you arrive back to Kinnitty GAA centre, rack your bike and sprint the final 1km to the finishing line, remembering to smile to the waiting Off the Bloom official photographer.
RACE FAQ's
Off the Bloom is a one-day Multi-Sport Adventure Race made up of Road Biking, Trail Running & Kayaking.
Off the Bloom takes place is on Saturday 15th August 2020.
Off the Bloom’s location is Kinnitty Village Co Offaly and covers the area of South Offaly.
The two courses are designed to cover everyone’s fitness and experience level:
The 70km Elite will challenge those who have taken part in adventure or triathlon races and are capable of racing for between 3 and 4hours while transitioning from one discipline to another.
The 37km Sport is laid out to stretch those who like to challenge themselves to push their general fitness a bit more than normal. Expect to race for 2 to 3hours whilst mixing disciplines. Don’t be surprised if you have to get off the bike from time to time.
Note: There is no Kayak section for the Sports Category.
Yes you need a Bike & Helmet. Bike rental can be organised if requested.
The choice of bike is an individual choice. 100% of the cycle route is on sealed country roads of varying quality. The most suitable bike would be a Road Bike although a Hybrid or Mountain bike with road tyres will also be fine.
No. Kayaks, paddles, and buoyancy aids will be provided.
Competitors cannot use their own kayaks. You may be required to “Time Out” at the start of the kayak sections but only if instructed by the kayak section director for logistics.
Running shoes with good grip or specific trail running shoes would suit best. Those planning to wear bike shoes while biking will need to carry their running shoes with them on the bike. Bike shoes and helmets can be left with the bike during the running sections but they must be secured to the bike.
Note: There is a 1km run from the bike-rack to the mount/dismount zone.
Yes it is a competitive race with prizes for top three places in various categories. However for most of us its a personal challenge.
Yes, your race time and your progress through each stage is timed using a ‘dibber’ which is attached to your wrist. You will return this at the finish line to get a print out of your time and splits.
Yes, the race has combined public liability insurance once you have signed in at registration and are wearing the officially supplied race number whilst taking part. However please note each competitor takes part at their own risk and must sign a waiver acknowledging the same.
Elite and Sport Courses are €65 plus SI Booking charge.
The Elite Distance is also split into two waves. Wave 1 starts @ 11am Wave 2 @ 11:20am.
The Sports Distance comprises of one wave starting @ 12pm.
When entering the event it is part of the terms and conditions that the entry fee is non-refundable.
When entering the event it is part of the terms and conditions that your place is non-transferable.
No, we do not have a team/relay race.
No, for insurance purposes, you must be over 18years of age to take part.
No. Safety officers and marshals are volunteering their time. You need to listen and adhere to what they say.
No, the courses will be marshaled and signed.
Note: Due care and attention must be taken at all times since the event is on open roads.
The exact locations of water filling stations will be highlighted on the map given to you at event registration but generally they will be at transition points. You will be required to bring your own water container with you during the race.
Mandatory Kit List
- Basic First Aid Kit (Min: 1 x Dressing Pad (field dressing), Bandage, Plasters.
- Map of the route (this will be included in your race pack).
- Survival foil sheet and whistle.
- Appropriate food and drink. There will be limited water re-filling points on the course.
- Cycle hat, bike repair kit, spare tube, and pump.
- Hat, gloves and waterproof jacket.
- Suitable footwear.
- Backpack or bum bag.
This is an adventure race. There will not be marshals around every corner and if you have an accident such as twisting an ankle it might take a while for medical assistance to reach you. To avoid getting cold or even hypodermic while you wait it critical to have your mandatory kit.
Race pack collection (for everyone) will take place the night before. More details to follow.
Elite and Sport courses will rack their bikes on Saturday morning in Kinnitty GAA centre close to Kinnitty Castle. Elite competitors need to be racked before 10am, Sport competitors need to rack their bikes before 11:30am.
The finishing line for all courses is at the Kinnity Village with results and refreshments available at the finish. This is an ideal place for your friends and family to see you finish and soak up the atmosphere.
Yes. Full details to be confirmed at registration but we will have a party and prize giving in Kinnitty Village after the race.
Email: [email protected] or fill out our contact form on this website.
Keep an eye out on the Off the Blooms Facebook page for the latest news.
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