Warriors wanted for Sligo hill challenge

For anyone who feels up to a challenge tailored for Queen Maeve's warriors, a gruelling run up Knocknarea mountain is being organised…

For anyone who feels up to a challenge tailored for Queen Maeve's warriors, a gruelling run up Knocknarea mountain is being organised this Sunday from Strandhill in Sligo.

The Warriors' Run, now in its 15th year, is a 10-mile road and hill race from the beach at Strandhill to the summit of Knocknarea mountain around Queen Maeve's Cairn (1,050ft), and back via a different route to the beach.

The organisers say the "unforgiving hills and hollows, rough terrain and slippery slopes" make a great challenge, and the 2,500 athletes who have competed in the event since it started in 1985 would no doubt agree. More than 120 runners took part last year.

It is said that the idea for the race started from a wager between a German tourist and a group of locals drinking in a Strandhill bar who said Knocknarea mountain could not be climbed in less than an hour. The locals lost when the German's teenage son left the bar and ran to the top of the mountain in 19 minutes.

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Sunday's run starts at 3 p.m. Those who prefer not to put themselves through such severe punishment can opt for the Warriors' Walk along the same route immediately afterwards. The event is part of the Warriors' Festival which will also feature music, exhibitions and surfing competitions. Registration is from 12.30 p.m. at Strandhill and information from (088) 2660710.