Record turnout for FEARmanagh 2021
28th September 2021
The eight annual Fermanagh Endurance Adventure Race (FEAR), took place on Saturday 25 September in the scenic surroundings of Derrygonnelly and West Fermanagh.
This year’s event which was included for the first time as part of the ‘Continental National Adventure Race’ series’ attracted a record entry with more than 420 competitors both local and from further afield taking part.
Comprising trail running, cycling and kayaking, FEARmanagh sees participants competing over two different routes, a long course of 74 Km and a short course of 35 Km.
Starting and finishing at Derrygonnelly Community Centre, the scenic but challenging race route brought competitors through iconic Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark sites such as the hills of Knockmore, Big Dog Forest, the spectacular Blackslee Waterfall, Lough Navar viewpoint and cliff path, as well as Magho shore and Garrison village.
Prizes for fastest male and female competitors in various age categories, as well as team prizes, were presented by the Vice Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Chris McCaffrey, along with representatives of Erne Lifting Services, the event sponsor.
Speaking at the presentation of prizes, Councillor McCaffrey 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 the West Fermanagh locality 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 the event sponsor, Erne Lifting Services and the continued and welcome support from the local Derrygonnelly community, Derrygonnelly & District Community Partnership and Derrygonnelly Community Centre. We are also grateful for the support of Erne Paddlers and our local emergency services teams: North West Mountain Rescue, Irish Red Cross, RNLI, PSNI and St John Ambulance, without whom the event would not be possible to stage.”
This year’s event also featured the Ciaran Murphy Memorial Trophy, which was presented by the Murphy family in recognition of Ciaran’s courageous battle with Cystic Fibrosis, to raise awareness of the disease and to encourage organ donation.
FEAR is funded and managed by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, and delivered in partnership with a large team from the local Derrygonnelly community. The event was sponsored by Derrylin based company Erne Lifting Services and supported by Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark.
The various category winners are as follows:
Long Race:
Male – Sebastien Giraud – 03:13:47
Female – Laura O’Driscoll – 03:44:25
Short Race:
Male – Bernard Smyth – 01:43:16
Female – Niamh Cleary – 02:02:40
Team:
Long – Lakeland Cycle Club – 10:56:37
Short – Adventure Crew – 05:23:00
Full results from the event are available to view on: