Participant dies after taking ill during west adventure race

A PARTICIPANT died after taking ill during yesterday's (Saturday) Gaelforce West adventure race.

Held on the Mayo-Galway border, in the Leenane/Killary area, the man fell ill while on the Maamturk mountain range.

In a statement last night, organisers Gaelforce Events said: 'We are deeply saddened to confirm the death of a competitor at Gaelforce West today.

'We will not be releasing any details of the competitor.

'At 12:21 race control was notified that a competitor had become ill on the final section of the race route. The event marshals responded to the scene immediately. The emergency plan was activated and the emergency services, including helicopter support, were called to the scene.

'Despite all of the care given to the competitor he did not survive. The competitor’s next of kin have been notified.

'We extend our deepest condolences to the friends and family of the competitor and ask that their privacy is respected at this time.'