Knock ME Down challenge on Knockmealdown mountains a huge success

Following the success of the first two ‘Knock ME Down Challenge’ events held in September 2016 and 2017, the 2018 event was much anticipated.

In fact, the 230 places on offer booked out in just two weeks last July. This year’s Challenge included a new and expanded MÓR event.

The event was a spectacular success, despite the weather trying its best to dampen spirits. All those with a penchant for physically challenging events descended on Newcastle village for an extravaganza aimed at getting participants to dig deep, bringing out their best performances.

For the past three years this multi-disciplinary event has been organised by voluntary group, Knockmealdown Active.

Bobby Carrigan runs at Baylough.

The organisation promotes all types of activity based events along the foot of the Knockmealdown Mountains in south Tipperary into Cork and Waterford. The Challenge and MÓR events involve cycling, running, (or walking) and Kayaking. As multi-sport challenge events go, it is well suited to anybody with a reasonable level of fitness. The entire course consists of marked roads and forestry tracks so getting lost is never an issue. The event started and finished at the GAA hall in Newcastle village.

The Challenge event starts with a 15km Cycle from Newcastle, outside Clonmel, to Kilballyboy Wood car park/picnic site on the Vee Road outside Clogheen.

Bikes are parked here and participants take a beautiful scenic 2.5km run (or walk if they wish) from Kilballyboy Wood to Baylough lake.

This is followed by a 0.5km sit-on kayak trip around Baylough (most competitors say this is the most enjoyable part). Once completed participants then take a different running route back to Kilballyboy Wood and a (thankfully mainly downhill) 15km return cycle journey to Newcastle.

The MÓR event adds an extra gruelling 4km mountain run at the start. To finish off it takes a really tough, but exhilarating, 33km cycle over the Vee and back to Newcastle via Mount Melleray. Suffice to say it’s not for the faint-hearted - literally. If you have a faint heart, don’t try it.

On completion of the course participants were treated to a feast while they watched the results roll in live on screen and watched recorded footage of their exploits on the lake.

An award presentation took place at the GAA hall where the victors received their prizes. Winners on the day were: Nessa Stokes & Sabrina Hickey (Female MÓR), Liam O’Donnell & Alan Carter (Male MÓR); Maeve Moloney & Sinead Stafford (F Over 40 Challenge); Michelle Lonergan & Annalise Hutch (F Under 40 Challenge); John Quinlan & Mick Beston (M Over 40 Challenge); John Mahoney & John Martin (M Under 40 Challenge).  

To be informed about Knockmealdown Active events like and share at Facebook.com/knockmealdown or sign up for the newsletter at www.kmdactive.com. For those who would like to find out more or get involved, the group’s AGM will take place at the Sallows (www.thesallows.ie), Clogheen on Tuesday, November 13th at 7.30pm.