Hundreds of women in Donegal came together to challenge themselves and celebrate achievement at the second Women’s Only Multi-Sport Adventure Challenge last Saturday.

Donegal Sports Partnership along with sponsors Arthur McMahon from Donegal Oil Company hosted the challenge at Gartan Outdoor Education and Training Centre.

Against the backdrop of the stunning Gartan Lake, the event showcased the spirit of women as they undertook a 4k Run, 20k Cycle and 1K Kayak. 

This event was aimed to encourage participation in outdoor activities for all age groups and fitness abilities. Over 250 women registered and just over 200 took part on the day. The majority have never done anything like this in their lives before.

Women’s Only Multi-Sport Fun Event in County Donegal on April 27th past was a spectacular success. Photo by Danny Nee

The adrenaline-fuelled excitement at the Team Donegal Oil Women’s Adventure Race reached its pinnacle as participants crossed the finish line, culminating in an unforgettable display of female athleticism, camaraderie, and empowerment.

The event, served as a platform for empowerment. Through teamwork, perseverance, and sheer determination, they conquered every obstacle, proving that there are no boundaries to what they can achieve.

Event Co-ordinator Shaun Stewart commented, “We were just thrilled to witness the incredible achievements of all the women who participated in the event last Saturday. This race is not just about crossing the finish line, it’s about pushing boundaries, overcoming obstacles, and empowering each other to reach new heights. We are immensely proud of every participant and the bonds they’ve formed and what they achieved from training to taking part on the day.”

“The atmosphere, not to mention the sunshine was electric on the day. Gartan was just buzzing with inspiration and determination from these ladies. They came from all across the County, Northern Ireland, Sligo, Cork and Galway. To have had such a reach geographically was just amazing for the organising team. A huge kudos goes out to each and everyone of them. Greeting them at the finish line, it was an overwhelming yes to do it again next year,” said Arthur McMahon, Donegal Oil Company.

Organising committee, Myles Sweeney of Donegal Sports Partnership, Arthur McMahon, Donegal Oil Company, Rory Kennedy, Smart Renewables, Grace Ann McGarvey, Grace Ann Consultancy and Shaun Stewart, Event Co-ordinator were all amazed and delighted at the number of ladies registered to take part in year two.

Donegal Sports Partnership (DSP) CEO Myles Sweeney added “Sports events which provide opportunities for women of all abilities to participate are a key focus of Sport Ireland and the Donegal Sports Partnership and forms part of the the National Women in Sport strategy. We are extremely proud of every woman who personally challenged themselves to complete the event.”

Every single cent raised from Registration Entry fees and donations will go directly to two Donegal Women’s Charities, Donegal Women’s Centre and Donegal Women’s Domestic Violence Service – DWDVS. 

Both charities were delighted to benefit from last year’s event and they were able to provide hours of additional counselling services to women in both centres and intend to do the same again from this year’s fundraising.

Huge thank you to all the staff at Donegal Sports Partnership, Gartan Outdoor Education Centre, Eco Atlantic Adventures, Ciara McVeigh, Danny Nee, Geraldine Diver, Geraldine Hemsley, all media outlets for coverage, Maple Group (Castlefinn Store) for the sandwiches afterwards, Highland Radio, Áine Tuffy, Red Cross, Kibbon Koffee, all the volunteers who helped on the day and to everyone who supported and helped in any way.

Full coverage of the day can be viewed on : https://www.facebook.com/TeamDonegalOilAdventureChallenge