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The geography of the Western Region provides the perfect backdrop to many absorbing and challenging sporting activities.
Rugby in Connacht has expanded in recent years, with a growing number of players involved and an increasing number of schools now playing the game. The Western Hell of the West is an annual summer event and the longest running triathlon in the country. As the name suggests this is one of the biggest and toughest triathlons in the Triathlon Ireland schedule with upwards of 600 athletes taking part in a 1,500 metre swim, 45km cycle and finishing with a hard 10km road race. Connemarathon, or the Connemara International Marathon, comprises a Half Marathon, a Full Marathon and Ireland's only on-road Ultra Marathon (39.3 miles) all taking place on the one day. 2011 event takes place on April 10th 2011 and more information is available on the official website.
Organised by Run Ireland, the West of Ireland Marathon Series consists of 14 full distance, 26.2 mile marathons run in various locations in the West of Ireland. Located very conveniently for Western based runners and walkers, Limerick's annual Women's mini marathon attracts upwards of 4,000 runners and walkers every year to it's 7km route. It is one of the biggest mini marathons in the country and raises a sizeable amount of money for charity annually.
Aileen’s wave rises 20 - 30 feet high and requires a tow-in. It was surfed by only a small handful of Irish surfers until it was 'discovered' and surfed by international surfers in late 2005. It has been described as "one of this planet's true monster waves". You don’t however need to tackle towering waves to enjoy surfing. It is a sport that can be enjoyed at all levels by all ages, and there is excellent surfing to be had up and down the Western coastline. Surf schools in Bundoran, Strandhill, Lahinch amongst many others will help get you started or improve your technique. Sports play an integral part of life in the West and with such a wide array of choices there really is something to suit all ages and paces of life.
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We have a superb choice of golf courses (links and parkland), fishing, watersports, equestrian facilities, walking routes, 
region has emerged as a thriving spot for endurance events such as Triathlons & Sprint Triathlons in the last number of years. Notable events include Kilkee's Hell of the West, the Connemarathon and the West of Ireland Marathon Series. Many smaller distance road races are run throughout the year and sports clubs are active in the region.
The bays and inlets of the Western region combined with the North Atlantic swell combine to make Ireland's Western region truly world class for surfing. Aileen's off Clare is now recognised as one of the best known big-waves in the world along with Mavericks in north California, Teahupoo in Taihiti and Dungeons off South Africa.
