FEARmanagh celebrates a decade of adventure in 2023
22nd June 2023
FEARmanagh, the Fermanagh Endurance Adventure Race, or FEAR for short, is set to celebrate its tenth anniversary this September.
The adventure race, organised and funded by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, was created in 2013 as a ‘home grown’ event, with the aim of showcasing the best of the rugged natural landscapes in West Fermanagh.
The event has proven a huge hit on the adventure race circuit and the Council is preparing to welcome around 300 participants to Derrygonnelly again this year on Saturday 30 September 2023.
In 2023, as part of a commitment to “Greening our Event”, the Council is taking practical actions to counteract and minimise the event’s environmental impact. We hope that participants and their family and friends will support us in making these changes as we work towards achieving sustainable communities and a sustainable environment.
Starting and finishing at Derrygonnelly Community Centre, FEAR features trail running, cycling and kayaking, over a long course of 74 Km, or what is described as a ‘short’ course of 35 Km.
Fermanagh and Omagh District Council organise the event, in partnership with Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark, with the support of a number of Fermanagh ‘Blue Light’ Services, including the Police Service of Northern Ireland, Royal National Lifeboat Institute and the Irish Red Cross.
The event could not go ahead without the support of the local community and in particular the efforts of Derrygonnelly & District Community Partnership and Derrygonnelly Community Centre.
Launching the 2023 event, Councillor Thomas O’Reilly, Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council commented,
“Empowering rural communities through health, fitness, and wellbeing is something I’m a firm believer in. As one of the most significant and impactful events in our Council calendar, FEARmanagh embodies our unwavering commitment to supporting rural communities.
In these challenging times, it takes on even greater importance, promoting physical and mental wellbeing while showcasing the breathtaking landscapes of the Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark. We look forward to all participants joining with us in embracing this empowering experience.
The challenging race route brings colour and vibrancy to many iconic Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark sites like the hills of Knockmore, Big Dog Forest, the spectacular Lough Navar viewpoint and cliff path, as well as Magho shore and Garrison village.
The race organisers would be delighted if the public could come out and cheer the FEAR competitors on their way.”
FEAR 2023 will again feature the Ciaran Murphy Memorial Trophy, presented by Ciaran’s family to honour his struggle with Cystic Fybrosis, to raise awareness of the disease and to encourage organ donation. Participants in FEAR can opt to fundraise for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.
The event is funded by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and delivered in partnership with a large, dedicated volunteer team from the local Derrygonnelly community. The event is supported by Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark.