The Ring of Kerry is an undertaking unrivalled in Irish cycling in terms of participation numbers. 11,000 cyclists will take to the start line in Killarney tomorrow for what promises to be another brilliant day.
By Brian Canty
There are charity cycles and then there are charity cycles but one event that stands over many others is the Ring of Kerry.
In its 33rd year, the event has long sold out its 11,000 available entries and to run the day safely takes upwards of 2,000 volunteers.
They do a marvellous job patrolling he roads and ensuring riders have a safe passage around the 180-kilometre course.
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Last year, €1.85 million was raised, with participants coming from every county in Ireland as well as overseas to take part and contribute.
Besides the marshals who operate the food stops and provide medical and technical support along the route, the running of the event is quite an achievement. Take a look at what the organisers ordered this year...
- 23,000 sandwiches
- 10,000 plus litres of water
- 35,000 bananas
- 30,000 slices of buttered brack
- 30,000 Nature Valley cereal bars
- 1,000 replacement bicycle tubes
The event begins this evening, Friday, with a pre-cycle Expo before the first riders leave Killarney at 6am tomorrow.
To everyone involved, have a mighty day and be safe out there!
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