More than 1,200 adventurer racers braved the wind and rain in Kenmare on Saturday for the welcome return of Quest Kenmare, the first Quest Adventure Race of 2022.

Elite Winner Ellen Vitting.

Elite Winner Niall David.

Stunning views were enjoyed at Quest Kenmare 2022.

A happy adventurer scaling Esk Mountain.

Cycling and running around the stunning backdrops of Molls Gap, Bonane Heritage Park, Esk Mountain and Kenmare town, participants competed in three routes: the 28km Challenge, 43km Sport and 79km Expert route.

Despite adverse weather conditions, racers clearly enjoyed the day and were delighted to be back – and got into the rhythm with a starting send off from Nick Bailey Drums. This is the first time Quest Kenmare has been able to take place since 2019, and its absence has been keenly felt by adventure racers. The event was a super-fast sell-out as people grabbed the opportunity to get outdoors, take part in adventure events, and soak up some of the best scenery in the country.

Winners of the Expert route were Niall Davis and local woman Ellen Vitting, who defended her title successfully from 2019. Winners of the Sport route were Paul O’Brien and Niamh Cleary. Winners of the Challenge route were Brian Haugh and Aileen Crowley.

Race Organiser, Oliver Kirwan, said the continued post-pandemic popularity of the event is testament to people’s love for Kenmare and adventure racing. 

“We have some fantastic events across Ireland in the Quest Adventure Series, and the Ring of Beara Cycle also held from Kenmare. We are delighted to be able to return to Kenmare for our first adventure race of 2022, and it’s a great feeling to see everyone taking up the challenge and enjoying themselves again.

“We've been working with lots of people locally to make sure the event is challenging and fun. Residents and local businesses have yet again offered amazing support. The feedback from participants has been very positive and we certainly plan to be back in 2023. I’d like to thank KMEG and all the volunteers who came and stuck out the bad weather and gave up their valuable time to make the event possible.”

Jerry O’Sullivan of Kenmare Marketing and Events Group (KMEG) said, "Kenmare is excited to welcome back Quest competitors and visitors".

"It is fitting that our traditional first event of the year will again welcome in a new era of tourism and events in Kenmare. Quest competitors were able to enjoy the wonderful outdoors and everyone can enjoy the excellent restaurants, bars shops and friendly atmosphere Kenmare has to offer."

Quest Kenmare and Elite Event Management are grateful for the support for this event from main Quest Adventure Series sponsor Volvo Ireland Cars, official snack partner All Real, event partners Nuasan, MCG Kayaks and Gnarly Peaks, and the ongoing partnership of Kenmare Marketing and Events Group.

Quest Kenmare will be back in 2023 with a provisional date of Saturday, March 11.

Race Results

Expert full results

1st male – Niall Davis (3:16:49)               1st female – Ellen Vitting (3:37:34)
2nd male – Sebastian Giraud (3:22:27)   2nd female – Laura O’Driscoll (3:54:49)
3rd male – Darren Quinn (3:24:36)          3rd female – Nuala Cronin (4:18:54)

Sport full results

1st male – Paul O’Brien (1:49:07)            1st female – Niamh Cleary (2:07:11)
2nd male – Bernard Smyth (1:49:40)       2nd female – Geraldine Gilheary (2:12:13)
3rd male – Bryan Renton (1:50:45)          3rd female – Denise Molloy (2:13:38)

Challenge full results

1st male – Brian Haugh (1:11:54)             1st female – Aileen Crowley (1:20:50)
2nd male – William Twomey (1:12:39)      2nd female – Geraldine Breen (1:20:51)
3rd male – Graham Guilfoyle (1:16:25)     3rd female – Susan Lowe Cotter (1:24:47)