AT THREE O’CLOCK today, in Trim Co. Meath, amateur cyclists will saddle up for a journey that will take them over 2200 kilometres of Irish roads.

The fastest riders will cross the finish line in Navan on Wednesday having put their body through hell; surviving on minimal sleep and a liquid diet while cycling some of the toughest climbs the island has to offer, and through whatever weather is thrown at them.

Race Around Ireland. Race Around Ireland.

There are no stages, no designated rest points. The clock starts at 3pm today and the 12 solo riders (and a tandem) have 132 hours (before 11pm on Friday) to finish.

In all there will be 52 participants in the Race Around Ireland plus one in the shorter (just the 1100 KMs) Irish Ultra Challenge.

So if you fancy offering your support (or even a brief loan of a bed, shower or coffee) to the riders you can find a full breakdown of the route and estimated times for fastest and the more laboured racers on the Race Around Ireland website, here.

Race Around Ireland Race Around Ireland

Their general route will take the race through the towns of (deep breath):

Trim, Navan, Blackrock, Newry, Lurgan, Bushmills, Derry, Malin, Buncrana, Castlederg, Sligo, Ballina, Castlebar, Clifden, Galway, Lahinch, Ennis, Limerick, Tralee, Killarney, Sneem, Bantry, Skibbereen, Kinsale, Cork, Youghal, Clonmel, Waterford, Wexford, Mount Leinster, Aughrim, Laragh, Straffan and, finally, back to Navan again.

We’re wrecked just writing it.

Long story short, you should check out RaceAroundIreland.com for the more detailed account of when and where you might spot an ultra-cyclist. It includes a snazzy interactive map that allows you follow the riders via GPS and also pick out the toughest climbs around the island.

 ‘After cycling 1100 miles, what’s another 250?’ An expert’s guide to surviving the Race Around Ireland