A

APPROACHING a landmark birthday and seeking inspiration as to how to celebrate it? Well, Killarney woman Tina Reed has set the bar high!

Tina is part of a team embarking on the five-day Itera expedition race, which will start at a mystery location on August 16 and finish in Killarney. “I will actually be turning 50 during the race on the 18th and I'm seeing that as a positive! There's no need to stop adventure and activity just because of age!” said Tina.

The name of the race comes from "tier", the Latin for “journey", and the "a" at the end stands for "adventure".

Artist and art teacher Tina is being joined on the team by her husband Pat Rodgers, Killarney, as well as Brian Harman from Cork and Damon de Boor from South Africa.

“We are sponsored by two local businesses and would like to pay tribute to them; they are Kerry Outdoor Sports and Killorglin insulation specialists DC Energy Solutions,” said Tina.

Tina is no stranger to extreme sports and has previously competed in such challenging events as the Beast of Ballyhoura and the Kerry Way Ultra Marathon.

Team Kerry Outdoor Sports and DC Energy Solutions will be among 40 mixed teams taking part in Itera. “These teams of four are coming from Ireland, Europe, South Africa and New Zealand,” added Tina.

What sets this race apart is the fact that it will start at a mystery location. “The race will cover a distance of 600km – hiking, biking and kayaking nonstop,” said Tina.

“There will be minimal stopping for sleep, probably one or two hours in each 24 hours. The route is kept secret until the race begins! The start location is unknown but the finish is in Killarney.”

Damon de Boor is a new addition to the team, replacing local teammate Eddie Birmingham from Killorglin who unfortunately had to pull out due to injury.
 

 
Tina Reed, Killarney, ultra-athlete, taking part in the Kerry Way Ultra Marathon. PICTURE: VALERIE O'SULLIVAN