Ballydougan Road, Downpatrick, Co. Down
St. Patrick's Coast Endurance Ride 2019 - what a great success it was. Record entries and the introduction of the new Team event played a large part in this success..
Congratulations to all our winners...
2020 sees us in our 7th year and the development work continues to make it bigger and better again. A stunning 32km (20 mile) loop taking in forest, old railways, farm lanes and fields as well as a significant distance of beaches, less than 1.5km of road work to top it off.
Taking place on Saturday 5th and 6th September 2020 (an extended 2-day event), it is a not to be missed day. A Buffet will be held on the Sunday evening, open to all, so make a weekend out of it, stabling is available on site as is camping for anyone interested. Watch tjis space for more developments and plans.
The event features Pleasure Rides for all, non-members welcome, of 16km (10 miles) and 32km (20 miles) [note the 16km ride does not take in the beaches]. Competitive Rides (CTRs) from 32km (20 miles) up to 80km (50 miles) and this will be joined by Endurance Race Rides (ERs) of 80km (50 miles) and 120km (75 miles) and if demand is there a 2-day 160km (100 mile) event.
Leaving the beach in 2017
We always try and host a Farmers and Prizegiving event on the Saturday evening after the ride.
We would encourage anyone who can stay to please come along and support this part of the event. It is our chance to say thank you to many of the farmers and landowners over whose land you will ride. Stabling and Camping is available, there are many local B&Bs as well - why not make a weekend out of it and join us for some great criac and good food after the ride. It is open to everyone - book your tickets for the BBQ, Camping and Stabling with your entry.
For 2018, with the support of Murphys Bar and Restaurant, we are delighted to also ask, as our guests, the many road stewards to this event - even more reason for riders to attend and help us say thank you to them all. You can book your tickets with your entry.
As usual the 16km (10 mile) Pleasure Ride will not take in the beaches at Ballykinler and Tyrella so if you want the beach ride enter for the 32km (20 mile) class.
There are also prizes for Pleasure Riders - to be eligible all you have to do is Vet before starting and within 30 minutes of finishing and make sure your times are taken at the start and finish - no extra cost - so why not plan to challenge yourseleves and improve on last year or set a benchmark for next year.
from 2016 aproaching the finish line
Thanks to Aloeride for this great wee reminder from the St. Patrick's Coast 2016 ride when we welcomed teams from England, Scotland and Wales to the Home International and Celtic Challenge Competitions.
There are more videos of the ride on the Aloeride web site at www.aloeride.com/videos-st-patricks-coast-ride-home-international-2016
Please note ALL horses entering the race course property MUST have up-to-date (annual) Flu Vaccinations. Therefore we cannot accept entries from horses or ponies that will not be up to date with their shots. Sorry no exceptions.