What would you do if you were standing at The Gateway to Hell in a pair of shorts?
Well that’s what 250 brave men and women were faced with last Saturday at Extreme Adventure Letterkenny in The Gateway to Hell Mud Run.
They came in their packs determined to take on what was ahead of them, which included mud, hills, obstacles, streams and of course more mud. Gerard and Iris ably assisted by a team of anxious but determined individuals tried to put a smile on the faces of those that came to their stations to register, but the people knew this wasn’t going to be easy!
As the competitors began to arrive the sun was shining and the mood lightened. DJ Scoop as ever, was banging out the tunes that reminded those worried faces that this was not an event to be feared but something to enjoy. Big Barney recently retired from managing Bonagee United was on hand to help in any way with his strong back room of Bonagee men and the local neighbours and friends.
Then entered Sammy, a world renowned coach in Letterkenny to get everyone warmed up for what was ahead of them. Press ups, burpees, jogging on the spot had everyone ready and pumped for the gruelling test in front of them. Then came a moment of silence as everyone paused to take their oath
OATH
“I will over come all Obstacles
I will punch fear in the Face
I will help out my Comrades
I am not a Quitter
I will not Give Up
I will not Surrender
I will be a survivor from ‘The Gateway to Hell’
And they’re off at the Gateway to Hell event that took place last Saturday at Extreme Adventure Letterkenny
Enough talking, it was time to get it on. A shot gun start by the legend Brian Crossan who had a poor shot in his football days but none the less done what he had to, had the competitors off. The event which for some seemed like a nightmare when they first signed up, went like a dream. Weary, dirty but smiling faces came trundling over the line to be met first by Nicola with a high five and big well done.
They came as individuals, in football teams, from sports clubs, from companies on a staff day out, as a groups of friends. They came from Letterkenny, Donegal, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Poland and Spain but they all left with one thing in common. They had been to “The Gateway To Hell” and had all passed through with a smile.
First on the day of the Gateway to Hell 10km run was Martin Mooney, centre, with second placed John Kenny and Ingio Cillero third
The first man home in the 10km was Martin Mooney in 52 minutes 15 seconds followed by John Kenny 55:10 and then Ingio Cillero in 59:00. The 5km race was won by David (Reggie) Miller of Donegal League fame in 47:06 followed by Alan Boal 47:16 and Charlie Carlin in 50:45.
The 10km team event was won by the Ambulance Crew and the 5km was won by Rathmullan Celtic – first trophy for Dara Patton a manager)
Thanks to everyone who took part and who helped out to make the event once again the success it was. The Mud Run is open to people to compete all year round for training or as part of a day’s craic and you can get more information by going to wwwextremeadventure.ie
Team Kathryn having completed the course at Gateway to Hell
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