The Monte returns - Mountcharles prepares to hold the adventure race
This year's event will take competitors across almost 60km of Mountcharles terrain
The Monte challenge makes a return to Mountcharles on August 29.
The event, run by a voluntary committee made up of members of the community, takes competitors across almost 60km of Mountcharles terrain for the third year in a row and is part of the Adventure Racing Ireland National Solo Adventure Race Expert series.
This year's event will raise money for St. Naul’s GAA, Donegal Community Hospital, Liquid Therapy, Mountcharles Community Centre, and Letterbarrow FC.
The adventure race holds four events for competitors to choose from: the Full Monte, the Half Monte, the Sprint Monte, and the Little Monte.
The Full Monte is the race's main event, spanning 56.7km of Mountcharles by competitors racing five legs: a 5.2 km run, a 19.5 km cycle, a 6 km run/hike, a further 21 km by bike, and finishing off with a 5 km run, leaving competitors with a total ascent of 1405m.
The Half Monte covers a total distance of 28.7km and is broken into three sections: a 5.2 km run, a 23 km cycle, and ends with a 500-meter uphill sprint.
The 5.2 km Sprint Monte was introduced at last year's event, and the Little Monte is a 5.2 km family-friendly walk/jog suitable for all ages and abilities.
The Full and Half Monte routes are open to over-18s and can be completed as an individual or as a team.
For the Sprint Monte, entrants under 16 are allowed with a parent or guardian’s consent and the signing of an activity waiver. For the Little Monte, minors under the age of 18 are allowed but only with a parent or a guardian over 18 years of age who will supervise and take responsibility for the minor at all times during the route.
Race director Martin O’Boyle tells DonegalLive: “Preparation is going good; the numbers are up a small bit from last year, it’s looking equally as positive, if not more positive than last year.
“This year we are part of the national series as well, so there could be international competitors coming over.
“[The race] is for the community and is practically run by the community marshals. On the day, we have about 140 volunteers.”
Last year’s race raised €19,000 and was divided between St Peter’s National School, St Naul’s GAA and the Bluestack Special Needs Foundation.
Last year's Full Monte men’s event was won by Sean Stewart in 2:19:17, and the Full Monte ladies' event was won by Caroline McLoughlin in 2:40:53.
Winners of the Half Monte were - Male: Shaun McGee (1:13:41) and Female: Genevieve Molloy (1:27:07).
Winners of the Sprint Monte were - Male: Oisin Gallagher (21:10) and Female: Teresa Gallagher (28:00).
To enter the event, visit the Monte Challenge website here.