Our first race of the season sets the scene for a competitive and fun series, hosted within the beautiful grounds and surrounding area of stunning South Galway. With a triathlon, run or swim for everyone you can enjoy not only a race but a fabulous festival event village.

The countryside surrounding Lough Cutra Castle contains evidence of a history dating back to the Irish-Celtic mythology of the Tuatha Dé Danaan.

In 2019 Lough Cutra Castle, for the sixth year running will see The Gauntlet, a middle-distance race, push competitors to their limit via stunning 1.9km swim, 96km bike ride and 21km run.

The swim only event provides the choice of three different distances: 5km 2.5km and 1mile (see price table below) and boasts a unique and stunning swim route in all the stunning castle lakes.

The swim described by many triathletes as the ‘best open water swim ever completed’ will now be open to outdoor swimmers as an event in its own right.

One mile leisure and family swim

Enjoy the beautiful setting of Lough Cutra Castle at your own pace. Swim any stroke you like (breaststroke encouraged), swim and chat with friends as you go around. Don’t worry about how long it takes (however time limit set at 90 minutes), just enjoy it. Under 16s welcome if accompanied throughout by a competent responsible adult.

Competitors undertake this stunning off road spectator friendly estate loop (1 lap for the 10K, 3 laps for the Half Marathon).  The first 3K of the circuit heads north from the castle lawns hand railing the western shore of the luminescent Lough Cutra Lake (largest privately owned lake in Europe).  Following a system of well worn tracks and paths the route passes through the ubiquitous Deer Park and then into the Carrowcarriff forestry block with its ancient pines and abundant wildlife.  At the northerly most point of the run competitors will pass a well stocked feed station before exiting the wood and hitting a narrow tarmac lane which they will follow for 800m.  A left takes competitors back onto the estate tracks and paths and after crossing a couple of well worn fields runners will emerge onto Black Drive and head south back towards the formal gardens of the estate.  With 1K of the circuit to go, track turns to tarmac at the internal estate drive, and finally runners pass through 2 iconic courtyards before arriving at the Castle forecourt with 1 lap complete! The finish takes place in front of the castle to rapturous applause, well deserved medal and the now famous finish line atmosphere and post-race treats.