As events that combine running and MTBing gain popularity, the inaugural iROC event aims to offer a new challenge, with competitors required to bike, run and orienteer in six individual races over the weekend of 18/19 April 2009 at Eastgate in the Durham Dales.

And with less than three weeks to go, the organisers tell us that the event is nearly 80% full and potential competitors are being urged to get their entries in.

Race Director Shane Ohly gives us the lowdown on the latest developments: “Last weekend a team of volunteers prepared 1.8km of brand new MTB singletrack through the forest plantation. We have also taken delivery of 10km of reflective barrier tape that will be used for marking section of the course for the night races. I believe that both the night fell race and MTB time trial will be visually spectacular experience for the competitors not to mentioned challenging.

“I am particularly pleased with how the first race of iROC is shaping up. The weekend kicks of with a hilly, 8 mile fell race. The race route covers a contrasting mix of the former quarry site (think:
tough running up and down grassed over slag heaps) and some truly
beautiful fell that is part of the North Pennine Special Protection
Area, a SSSI and An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It’s pretty
awesome running and has taken a lot of effort to get the necessary
permissions.”

The iROC Adventure Race uses a new format that combines a series of different races across three different disciplines that includes fell running, mountain biking and orienteering. Each individual races is being designed as though it were a standalone race, so you can do as much, or little, as you prefer.

More information at www.iroc-race.com