EXERCISE WOLFHOUND RANGER – COAST 2 COAST

2RIRISH, under the leadership of Lt Col Mark Hudson, entered the 2014 C2C endurance race which would take them from the West coast of Ireland to Newcastle, Co Down and would consist of a 5 km beach run, 107 km cycle, 26.5 km kayak, 139 km cycle with a 35 km run over the Mournes to finish. The aim; to develop young potential leaders, to complete the race within 24 hours and arrive in time for the race brief!

The team consisted of Rgr Drennan, Rgr Mulholland, LCpl Gilmore, Cpl Deane, Sgt Russell, CSgt Dougan, WO2 Mahaffey, Lt Abbott and Lt Col Hudson. Who were encouraged, fed, massaged and motivated by the support staff of Rgr Barr, Pte Hegarty, Sgt Green, CSgt Cathcart, and WO2 Barnes.

The countdown began and we were off.

With the run over and all team members now at the first transition, helmets on, we were soon off on the first bike leg. With the legs turning and wind at our backs, we were soon covering the miles.  After 5 hours 40 minutes of cycling we made it to the kayaking stage of the race.

Cpl Deane took one for the team and opted for the single-man kayak. The support staff were on site and had carried the kayaks to the entry point for the kayaking stage. Some of the team had not been kayaking before; however, this was not a major worry as they had watched a few videos on youtube and they would tell you all the techniques on how to paddle! The Kayaking stage took in 26.5 km of canals with three locks to navigate.

Now moving into the night stage and the worst of the two cycling stages, a complete change of clothing was required. Conditions had changed as we started the second cycle, in the dark and in the rain, which made for more exciting bike handling!

Making our way on the 139 km cycle, the headlights on the bikes and light from the safety van behind us lit the way ahead well enough for us to avoid the now wet, manhole-covers whilst disguising the long hills which came more and more often. Weary and tired we made our way up toward the Kilbroney Park car park, and then it happened; 50 meters away from the finish of the bike leg, a “clipless moment”, resulting in a buckled front wheel for WO2 Mahaffey and a sore side for Rgr Drennan who toppled into the Sergeant Major’s newly ‘Garmin serviced’ bike.

We regrouped before entering the car park, where we were filmed by our every friendly TV chic Fiona Weir from BFBS.  With more food and drinks we were off again on foot, towards the hills, at a steady pace, to get the cramps and muscles stretched out after the long cycling (7 hours 20 minutes).  Navigating across the Mournes we reached the various check points, catching other competitors with each stride. We reached the windy gap 22 hours and 30 min into the race; we knew that timings would be tight to get to the finish line with the summit of Donard still to conquer. On reaching the top we dibbed in and started to run down the mountain. We overtook another team as we followed a fell runner and his Dalmatian towards the Donard Car park. After regrouping in the car park we had about 15 minutes to get to the finish line. With dibbers and all team members accounted for, we were once again on our way: out of the car park, onto the promenade towards the finish line – the last push.  With people cheering us on, every stride took us closer to the finish line at the Slieve Donard hotel.  Over the bridge of the river Shimna and around the corner, the finish line was in sight, as was the support crew and BFBS. Moments later we finished the race.

23 hours and 49 minutes the official time.

I would like to express the thanks of the team to the support crew who looked after us so well. Gratitude is also expressed to those who have sponsored us. All donations are going to the ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, the Army’s National Charity.