FEAR 2024 – Just under 300 Competitors, felt the fear, and did it anyway!

Fermanagh Endurance Adventure Race (FEAR) took place on Saturday 28 September in the scenic surroundings of Derrygonnelly, West Fermanagh in the heart of the Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Geopark.

Comprising trail running, road 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 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 shorelline of Lower Lough Erne and Garrison village.

Prizes for fastest male and female competitors in various age categories, as well as team prizes, were presented by Councillor John McClaughry, Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.

Speaking at the presentation of prizes, Cllr McClaughry 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 our local community volunteers and emergency services teams from North West Mountain Rescue, RNLI, and PSNI, without whom the event would not be possible to host.”

FEAR is funded and organised by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and delivered in partnership with a large team of dedicated volunteers from the Derrygonnelly community.

The various category winners are as follows:
Long Race:
Male – Sebastien Giraud – TIME 03:18:55 (Third Time Winner!!)
Female – Laura O’Driscoll – TIME 03:51:06

Short Race:
Male – Niall Burns – TIME 01:42:31
Female – Denise Molloy – TIME 02:02:30

Team:
Long – Lakeland Cycle Club – TIME 11:13:57
Short – Lakeland Cycle Club – TIME 05:23:49

Full results from the event are available to view on: https://www.sportident.co.uk/results/Fearmanagh/2024/Fear/