Lilliput Legend Adventure Race

The Lilliput Legend Adventure Race is one of the more complete tests you can put yourself through in a single summer’s day in Ireland. Held on the shores of Lough Ennell just outside Mullingar, it links kayaking, cycling, and trail running into a seamless loop that takes in some genuinely striking midlands landscape - an iron-age lake, a blanket bog, and an extinct volcano. Three distance options mean it suits first-timers willing to push themselves (Mini, 25 km) right through to endurance athletes who want a proper day out (Ultra, 60 km).

What to expect

The race starts on Lough Ennell, where teams paddle 1.5 to 2 km depending on category, passing the ancient crannogs associated with the High King Malachy. The organisers provide two-person kayaks with all necessary safety gear, including a buoyancy aid - you do not need to own a kayak to enter. The paddle runs close to the shoreline and is designed to be accessible even for people with limited kayaking experience.

From the water the race moves onto the bike. The cycle leg - 21 km for the Mini, 38 km for the Sport, and 53 km for the Ultra - rolls through the Esker Riada and the Bog of Allen on tarmac roads, so a road bike is perfectly suited. Helmets are compulsory.

The run and hike leg finishes on Croghan Hill, an extinct volcano that gives one of the better panoramic views in Leinster. The terrain is mixed grass and rock, so trail shoes are worth packing, though ordinary runners will get you around. The whole event operates from Lilliput Adventure Centre, which has camping, parking, showers, and food on site.

Registration online closes on Wednesday 16 July at 6pm. On-site registration opens on race morning from 9:15am if you miss the online window.

Getting there

Mullingar is well connected by road and rail. By car, the venue sits roughly ten minutes from Mullingar town centre; the centre is signposted from the N52. The fastest approach from Dublin is via the M6 motorway to either Tyrrellspass or Kilbeggan, then follow local roads - around an hour from the city. Mullingar train station is on the Dublin Heuston to Westport/Ballina line with regular services; a taxi or pre-arranged lift covers the last stretch to Lough Ennell. Parking is available on site at the centre.

While you’re in Mullingar

Mullingar is the county town of Westmeath, sitting beside three lakes - Lough Ennell to the south, Lough Owel and Lough Derravaragh to the north - and it rewards a wander before or after race day. There is more to see in Mullingar and across Co. Westmeath.

Good to know

• Saturday, 18 July 2026; race start 10am, on-site registration from 9:15am
• Entry fee approximately €83 (check lilliputlegend.com for current pricing and category breakdown)
• Online registration closes 16 July at 6pm; on-site registration available on the morning
• Camping, parking, showers, and dining available at Lilliput Adventure Centre
• Kayaks and safety gear provided; helmets compulsory for the cycle leg
• Full course maps, compulsory kit lists, and training guidance at lilliputlegend.com