FEARmanagh Adventure Race 2025 Showcases West Fermanagh’s Stunning Landscapes

The Fermanagh Endurance Adventure Race (FEAR) took place on Saturday, 27 September, in the scenic surroundings of Derrygonnelly, in the heart of the Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Geopark.

The multi-discipline event, featuring trail running, road cycling, and kayaking, challenged participants over two courses: a long course of 74 km and a short course of 35 km.

Starting and finishing at Derrygonnelly Community Centre, competitors navigated iconic Geopark sites, including the hills of Knockmore, Big Dog Forest, Blackslee Forest, Lough Navar viewpoint and cliff path, and the Magho shoreline of Lower Lough Erne, finishing through Garrison village.

Prizes for the fastest male and female competitors in various age categories, as well as team awards, were presented by Councillor Barry McElduff, Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Cllr McElduff said:

“I would like to congratulate everyone who has taken part in this year’s FEARmanagh event. FEAR was developed by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council to bring visitors to Derrygonnelly and to West Fermanagh to experience and enjoy the rugged and spectacular landscapes of the area through the challenge of adventure sport.

I hope that you have all enjoyed the event today and that you will come back again to enjoy this beautiful part of our district. The Council greatly appreciates the support from our local community volunteers and emergency services without whom the event would not be possible to host.”

FEARmanagh is funded and organised by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and delivered in partnership with a dedicated team of volunteers from the Derrygonnelly and District Community Partnership and Derrygonnelly Community Centre and Erne Paddlers, with the support of sponsors, Monaghan Brothers, Lisnaskea.

Category Winners:

Long Race:
Male: Luke Smith (3:11:38)
Female: Caroline McLoughlin (3:42:40)

Short Race:
Male: Alan Kearney (1:38:32)
Female: Niamh O’Brien (1:57:30)

Team:
Long: Trailblazers
Short: Lakeland Cycle Club

Full results are available at: https://www.sportident.co.uk/results/Fearmanagh/2025/Fear/