The Beast Returns: 24 Hours of Non-Stop Adventure Racing Kicks Off in
Carlow
Date: 23/5/2025
Location: Carlow
Adventure racing returns to the heart of Ireland this weekend as The Beast, a 24-hour non-stop expedition race, sets off at 4pm from Carlow Town on Friday afternoon. Feted as one of the toughest endurance events in the country, The Beast challenges teams to kayak, mountain bike, trail run and navigate their way through a secret course that spans rivers, forests and rugged uplands — all within a single day and night.
We’re pleased to welcome a sold-out field of 11 pairs and 23 teams of four to the start line, ready to take on one of the most demanding challenges in Irish sport.
A special mention goes to the reigning Four Nations champions, Leaping Fish, led by Nick Gracie, who travel from the UK to Carlow to defend the title they won in Wales last July.
With a highly competitive line-up, this year’s race promises to deliver thrilling adventure racing from start to finish. From the Irish contingent, teams such as Balor Multisport Beasts, Yeba, Moxie Racers, Outfront and Dark Horses should all feature prominently – with the 24km kayak at the start sure to test teams right from the off. In true Beast style, the start line will see former Adventure Racing World Champions racing shoulder to shoulder with complete rookies.
The race is as much about camaraderie as competition, and it’s open to all with the heart to take it on. Alan Bradley, a gravel biker taking on his first ever adventure race with Team bigO, summed up the spirit of the event: “We are so excited and are just going to keep it steady and keen – supporting each other and trying to learn from the other teams.”
The course – kept secret until race briefing – includes over 30% of the route along the Barrow Blueway, combining kayaking, trail running, SUP, biking and more. Teams will navigate entirely by map and compass with no GPS allowed – and no support except each other.
“This isn’t just a race – it’s an expedition,” says Race Director Cormac McDonnell. “You’ve got to work together, think fast, and dig deep. It’s adventure racing at its most raw.” The Beast finishes at 4pm on Saturday 24 May at xxx, where finishers can expect a hero’s welcome – complete with a drink of locally brewed O’Hara’s beer by Carlow Brewing Company, served to honour the effort, the teamwork, and the stories born in the wild.
You can track the teams live on the website and keep an eye on social media, where we’ll be posting the tragedies and triumphs as the teams race the course– and each other – through the night. Run entirely by volunteers and organised by the national governing body, Adventure Racing Ireland, this team have worked tirelessly to bring expedition adventure racing back to this island – and The Beast is the result of their long-standing passion and commitment.
Adventure Racing Ireland is the representative body for the sport of AR in Ireland and is a full member of the International Adventure Racing Association.
More info and live tracking at: adventureracing.ie/beast Instagram: @adventure.racing.ireland