NUI Galway’s Mountaineering Club organised a successful Maamturks Challenge on 13 April. Here’s the full story…
The 38th Annual Maamturks Challenge took place last Saturday 13th April 2013, organized by the NUI Galway Mountaineering Club. The event is supported by Galway Mountain Rescue Team and Galway Radio Committee. The challenge covers 24.3 kilometers over the tough, mountainous terrain of the Maamturks range, with a total ascent over the course of the walk of 2336 meters, commencing between Maam and Maam Cross and ending in Leenane village. The challenge commences at 5am and concludes when all participants have descended off the hills.
The NUIG Mountaineering Club volunteers successfully organise and manage the annual event, with 30-40 volunteers manning 8 checkpoints and 3 finishes on the hills. Volunteers work in harmony to track the progress of the Challenge participants throughout the day, ensuring the safety and well-being of the competitors. Participants are heartily encouraged by the volunteers on the grueling terrain. Last weekend’s weather proved particularly inclement, with persistent rain and wind in the afternoon and our volunteers braved the elements for a near 12 hour day on the hills. This year, a total of 187 registered participants took part, with 134 participants successfully completing the Challenge.
Congratulations to one and all for participating and volunteering your time. A great success…
