Achill ROAR Adventure Race

Sat 12th September 2026

Achill ROAR Adventure Race 2026

The famous Achill ROAR Adventure race returns on the 12th September 2026.

This adventure race ran between 2010 and 2016 and always was super fun, friendly and was known for having the best after race party on the AR circuit.

The race is part of the ARI Solo Adventure Series and is being organised on a fully voluntary basis by Adventure Racing Ireland as a fundraiser for the adventure racing community and some deserving local causes.

The event offers three excellent race route options (Challenge, Sport and Expert) so there is a race suited to beginners, intermediates & the seasoned racer sorts.

Race routes involve a stunning beach/ mountain run/hike and biking on road around the island visiting super beaches and enjoying stunning views.

After-race party is in Gielty’s Pub on the Saturday evening and the weekend is completed by some free and fun whacky races that are planned for Sunday morning at 12 noon on Keel beach. Plans include welly throwing, slow bike, bucketfill, standing long jump, wacky golf and more with free entry to all Roar participants, their families & friends

The Dooagh Folk Festival is also on this weekend with a wide range of festival gigs including Damien Dempsey, Lúnasa, Dervish and many more with various workshops and traditional seisúins in a variety of venue close to race HQ.

Camping, showers and activity areas for kids are all available at Keel camping on the beach beside the race HQ.

Their assistance with the running of the event is appreciated.

Entries include a tech race tee (Gender specific sizing) and ARI Buff.

Entries are now closed – No Entry on Day is Possible

All Courses will start and finish at race HQ close to Keel beach

Race Sign On at Campsite Teepee from 9.30 until 30 mins before your scheduled Race Start Time

Location of parking for Race HQ is at this link Achill AR Race HQ Parking 
The parking area is also beside the transition area where you will pass through at the end of each leg before starting on the next leg one

ARI National Solo Series, the Sport & Expert race results will count as one of the Races in the overall Series (Best 5 races to count) 

Course Details:
Expert Course – 60km – Designed to Challenge all experienced athletes
Typically 2.5 to 5 hrs Duration
Start Time 11am
Activities Involved: Beach / Mountain /Trail Running (16km in total) and Road Biking (45km in total)
Fully Marked Route & Chip timed
Sport Course- 30km – Designed for Intermediates/ Those looking for a good test
Typically 1.4 to 3 hrs Duration
Start Time 12.00 noon
Activities Involved:  Beach/ Mountain /Trail Running (8k) and Road Biking (22k)
Fully Marked Route & Chip timed
Challenge Course – 18km – Designed for Beginners/ Newbies to Adventure Racing
Typically 1 to 2 hrs Duration
Start Time 1.00 pm
Activities Involved: Beach Running (6k) and Road Biking (12k)
Fully Marked Route & Chip timed
To enter this event you need to have current membership to ARI. 
If you are not a member already you can join here or as part of your race entry here
Parking: There is plenty of parking at event HQ at Keel Beach close to campsite – Parking Link HERE
Facilities: Beach showers are available for free – Hot Showers in Keel Camping for Campsite Residents only
Water: There will be water available adjacent to the start/finish area – Please bring your own water bottles for refill

No “ON THE DAY”  Entry Will Be Possible

Prizes Details TBC
NOTE:- This Race is run on a fully voluntary basis by ARI members with local assistance
Emphasis will be placed on giving ARI Members great value for money and If any monies are raised then these funds will be for development of adventure racing in Ireland and it is also hoped to contribute to some deserving local charity causes. To maximise funds available cash prizes will not be awarded.
Prizes to 1st 3 finishers and 1st over 40 and over 50 outside the top 3 overall (m & f/m) in each distance event
Expert Race
Sport Race
Challenge Race
Registration:
Sat 12th  – 09.30 to 10.30
Bikes must be racked before 10.40
Race Briefing 10.50
Registration:
Sat 12th  – 09.30 to 11.30
Bikes must be racked before 11.40
Race Briefing 11.50
Registration:
Sat 12th  – 09.30 to 12.30
Bikes must be racked before 12.40
Race Briefing 12.50
Race Start time 11.00 am
Race Start time 12.00 noon
Race Start time 1.00 pm
Mandatory Race Kit :
  • Waterproof Jacket
  • Space blanket
  • First Aid Kit including antiseptic wipes, field dressing, plasters, triangular bandage
  • Mobile Phone in a waterproof case
  • Bike Helmet
  • Spare Tube, pump & tyre levers Save
  • Roadworthy bike with good working brakes
  • Note:- TT type or any bikes fitted with Tri bars of any type are not permitted
  • E bikes may permitted in exceptional cases by prior permission only
  • Highly Recommended:- Trail Shoes for Expert and Sport Run Sections
  • Bike lights mounted on the front and back of the bike – Flashing lights to be on at all times when on the bike
Event HQ Location at Keel Beach – Achill  – Click here for location

On Sunday morning at 10.30am we will have our Free & Fun Wacky Races on Keel Beach.

Teams of 2 ( male / female/ mixed) can come along and take part in 5 different fun races/ activities on the Keel beach.

Team can include family members, friends etc

Teams are required to bring one bike along for the slow bike race

Points are awarded after each event – Winning teams receive novelty prizes

All Welcome – Please indicate your interest at Tee Collection after you Sign On on Saturday morning & then show up by 10.30am on Sunday at Keel Beach.