West Cork the destination of choice for fitness

If some people autumn is the season for testing and rewarding trials of fitness with many opportunities for a host of outdoor walks and pursuits not to mention a number of sporting activities and things to do in west cork. This weekend West cork and our hotel in West Cork is busy with not one but two fitness events and races as tomorrow Saturday October 18th both the towns of Rosscarbery and Skibbereen will be the base for a series of very different but no less invigorating and challenging multi-disciplinary races.

Of the two the main one to note could be Skibbereen Charity Adventure Race (SCAR) which features three different categories of races catering to different fitness levels and athletic disciplines. Starting at 9am in the morning there are three races designed to accommodate all levels of fitness and run over three different courses, to choose from. The extreme 76km, moderate 40km and the easy 17km run. From the extreme of the 76km race which race participants compete over 76Km (running 21km, cycling 54km and kayaking for the last 1km). 40km (Running 12 km, cycling 28km and kayaking 1km to the accessible 17km race where its only running for running for 5km, and cycling for 12km.

This multi-discipline adventure race takes place in and around the breathtaking beauty and rugged environs of Skibbereen, Castletownshend, Lough Hyne and gives competitors and spectators alike a novel way to take in the wild atlantic coastline that defines this stunning region. And for volunteers taking part in the race, the scenery alongside the chance to conquer it in an adrenaline pumping race makes it different to other races.

And another bonus to the race is the knowledge that this is a charity event with all race entries being donated to local charities and good causes in the area. The year the club’s chosen beneficiary is Cork Association for Autism – a charity that provides support services to adults on the autistic spectrum in Cork city and county.

Whatever the outcome of the race, it is the taking part that counts and for many the race and the sense of accomplishment it presents, the majesty of the great outdoors and scenic backdrop of some of west cork most feted landscape along of course with the post race celebrations are well worth the effort involved. And after the race our Cork hotel is the place to be as we are hosting the post race after party in the Kennedy Restaurant in Skibbereen. For pubs in Skibbereen, our bar with its cosy relaxed atmosphere is set to host plenty of post race fun and banter as both participants and spectators relax and take stock of an eventful and invigorating day. When it comes to West Cork accommodation look no further than our hotel, located in the heart of West Cork.

And if witnessing or taking part in the Skibbereen Charity Adventure Race may seem too hard there is always the option of heading to the equally charming scenic west cork town of Rosscarbery for a more accessible and less challenging race: Rosscarberry Steam Engine 5K Fun Run & Walk taking place later in the evening at 5pm. So whether you spend the whole day at Skibbereens charity adventure race and take in the action in our hotel afterwards or plan on heading off to our neighbours in Rosscarbery for a more sedate race, this weekend West Cork is all about sport and fitness for a good cause, testing oneself in adrenaline pumping races against the backdrop of west corks peerless landscape.