LOUGH Derg is set to welcome the return of one of Ireland’s largest and most exacting participation events next month

Quest Lough Derg adventure race makes a welcome return to the shores of the Shannon on September 10 and with comes the reconstruction of Ireland’s longest pontoon across the river.

Over 1,300 athletes will run, cycle and kayak around one of Ireland’s most beautiful inland waterways and over Ireland’s longest pontoon bridge.

Quest Lough Derg is a one-day adventure race open to all levels of fitness and experience, offering three routes of different lengths: 22km Challenge, 45km Sport and 69km Expert. Participants from around the country cycle and run along country trails, and kayak across Lough Derg for one of the best scenic tours of the area, starting and finishing at Flanagan’s on the Lake in Ballina.

In preparation for the first Quest Lough in 2019, event organisers Elite Event Management came up with the idea to build the bridge when faced with the logistical challenge of moving participants safely across the water from Ballina to Killaloe.

In a joint partnership between Elite Event Management, Waterways Ireland, Tipperary and Clare County Councils, Ireland’s biggest temporary pontoon over the Shannon was first constructed for Quest Lough Derg 2019.

Event organiser Oliver Kirwan says, “The Quest Lough Derg pontoon is the longest ever constructed in Ireland at 130 metres, and when we first embarked on the project it was the first time a new bridge had been built in Killaloe in 300 years!

“The pontoon was designed and constructed by specialist contractors Pontoons Ireland, and takes around six days to build, with the assistance of three articulated trucks carrying specialist modular blocks, handrails and netting.”

This year’s build is expected to begin on September 4 and the bridge will be towed into place on September 9, the day before the event.

The bridge is an impressive spectacle, and exciting for participants, locals and supporters to watch unfold.

A spokesperson for organisers Elite Events Management said the group was delighted to have the opportunity to be back in Ballina this year.

“We are encouraging local people to come out and support athletes along the route and at Flanagan’s at the finish line, for what promises to be a fabulous day for everyone.”

Quest Adventures Series is a series of adventure and endurance races. More information at www.questadventureseries.com