70 Wild Miles 
A charity triathlon;
70 miles, 1 day, 3 challenges.

Ray Rowe who was spectator in 2007 and competitor in 2008 shares his experience.

The CLIC Sargent 70 Wild Miles  - Lough Erne 07 proved to be a hugely successful event with Mediterranean weather and dazzling scenery. The challenge took place in the beautiful lake land region of Upper Lough Erne in County Fermanagh on the same day as the Glencoe event.

Of the 80 entrants who embarked on the tough course most chose the team challenge, with each member of the team specialising in one of the cycle; canoe; run disciplines. One of the great attractions of events like this is the wide range of people who want to be a part of it. Some are dedicated athletes for whom fast times are the main focus, while others are there to experience the atmosphere and to enjoy the simple satisfaction of completing the course.

26 competitors went for the individual category, a particularly grueling option that saw more than half of them out on the course for well over 7 hours. On the day, with afternoon temperatures rising to 27degrees, feeding and drinking became even more crucially important. The water stations on the cycle and run were extremely well positioned, and wisely, carried enough stock to get everyone through without shortages. Competitors dealt well with their own food intake and this was undoubtedly helped by the natural breaks that occur between each of the three disciplines.

The hilly cycle course took place on quiet country roads and was very expertly marshaled by the Mad Dog Motorcycle club. Where the route crossed the border into the Republic there was support and assistance from the Garda. The local drivers gave the riders plenty of room and even offered encouragement throughout the course.

The canoe section follows a course that is nothing short of gob smacking in its beauty. What an inspiration to set off on the ten mile circuit that wound its way through tree-topped islands and  past ruined castles. Clear way-marking, backed up with first class safety boat cover guided the paddlers under bridges, through narrow reed channels and across open vistas of lake – just an amazing experience. Although in essence the course is out and back, the route cleverly avoids the feeling of retracing your steps.

Whilst the bike leg on average takes the greatest amount of time it is probably the run which is the toughest of the three events. The run course is over hilly country roads which on the day had the additional and unavoidable problem of melting tar. The short, steep hills serve to break the runners’ rhythm and so high levels of concentration are needed to get through the 13 miles efficiently. The quiet rural scenery is very pleasant to run in, but for those competing in the individual class, there just isn’t any spare energy to spend on appreciating the view. Getting to the next water station becomes increasingly important, and on a  very hot day, can become an athlete’s sole motivation to complete the course. Once again the sign posting was good, with clear mile markers as well as several support vehicles circulating on the roads.

This event was nothing short of outstanding and should be seen as a landmark for adventure racing in Ireland. Great credit must go to the CLIC Sargent officials and volunteers as well as the Share Holiday Village staff for making such a success of this first ever 70 Wild Miles - Lough Erne.