Frequently Asked Questions
If your question is not answered in the Racing Brief or below please do email us.
When do I have to be at the Start?
It is compulsory for all participants to take part in the safety brief. This will take place at registration at 9.15am. You must have registered and put your bike in transition prior to the safety brief. If you do not attend the safety brief you will not be able to compete in the race. We would suggest that you arrive at registration for the HellFire Races before 8.45 to allow yourself enough time to get organised.
Getting to the HellFire Woods
From the M50 (Firhouse exit)
From Terenure (note Stocking Lane is closed for road works, so route is via Ballyboden Road)
View Google Map Directions
HellFire Woods location map.
What are the categories within HellFire?
We expect to have a single start, but in case we need to split the start, we’ve asked you to select from: Advanced, Intermediate, or Beginner in the entry form.
How long will my HellFire Advenure take?
• Advanced under 80min minutes if male or under 90minutes if female.
• Intermediate 90min – 105mins
• Beginner 105mins plus
What are the distance breakdowns for HellFire?
The breakdown of discipline distances within the event is as follows:
• Running/Walking: 6km Approx
• Cycling: 17km Approx
What type of bike should I use for HellFire?
Safety first; you should ensure that the bike is properly serviced, with working breaks, you will be descending off mountains with 10% gradients, so you want to feel safe and confident on your bike.
Bike choices in terms of Speed:
• A road bike (racer) will be the fastest choice for this course.
• A triathlon bike would probably be somewhat slower on the climbs and descents.
• A mountain bike with slick tyres would be slower.
• A mountain bike with knobbly tyres would be slowest of all.
When will my wave be starting?
Start time is 9:30am.
If numbers exceed 250, we’ll split the start in two, with a second start at 9:35am.
What equipment do I need to compete in HellFire?
You will need your own bike. HellFire does not rent bikes or have a bike rental partner. Helmet, which will comply with EN1078 European standard, so no snowboard or skateboard helmets. Runners/trainers suitable for the uneven climb, trail shoes are best. Clothes, sorry but no nudity and no bare chests guys.
Do I need a licence to race?
You do not need a Triathlon Ireland, Cycling Ireland, Athletics Ireland or any type of a 1-day licence to race.
Can I get a refund if I cannot attend?
There is a full no-quibble refund up to seven days after entering (which doesn’t apply in the 7 days before the event). After 7 days your entry is non-refundable. As soon as a competitor enters we incur costs such as admin etc. It is also not possible to transfer entries to any other Belpark Events, next year’s event, or a different competitor.
Does HellFire hire bikes?
No.
Where will water stops be?
The water stops will be at transition, which you will pass 4/5 times during HellFire.
How do I contact HellFire?
Call us on Skype: irishtriathlon
What type of terrain will I be cycling on?
Cycling in HellFire is on sealed rural roads in the Dublin mountains. We encourage you to use the course maps to practice on the HellFire course in advance.
Do I need to know how to navigate to compete in HellFire?
While navigation skills are not a requirement, do not travel faster than your route knowledge. The route will be described and marked with signs/arrows. This is an unsupported adventure challenge.
What happens at a transition?
Your bikes must be left at transition before 9:15am on race day. All competitors will be wearing a race number for the event. This will help you and us at the transitions. Race numbers will be issued at race registration with your pack and your electronic timing. Your bike will be safe and secure in transition.
Where is registration?
You can register for this event on-line but you must sign on and collect your registration pack in person on race day.
What happens at registration?
When you register, you will receive your race pack containing your competitor number, some goodies from our sponsors and some further written race info relating to the challenge ahead. There will be staff on hand to answer questions. You will also receive your electronic timing chip which you will wear on your ankle throughout the event.
Where and when do I drop off my bike?
On race day (before 9:15am) you will leave your bike in the main transition area in the HellFire woods car park, where we will have set up racking.
What Electronic timing devices are being used?
We’re using timing chips that you should wear on your ankle. ChipIt will be doing the timing.
