The force is with Emma

A NORTHDSIDE fitness fanatic proved she’s a force to be reckoned with recently when she was the first woman to cross the line in the gruelling Gaelforce West challenge.

Emma Donlon from Ashtown completed the punishing adventure race, which took place in Connemara on Saturday, August 18.

Months of training paid off for Emma, who was among 2,000 competitors to take part in the event.

She crossed the finish line in an impressive time of four hours and 14 seconds.

It was no mean feat both physically and mentally as the 67km course involved cycling, running, kayaking across Killary Harbour in Galway not to mention a hike up Croagh Patrick.

The event was broken up into a 13km trail run, 1km kayak, 3.5km trail run, 33.5 cycle, 4.5km mountain run or hike ending with a 12km cycle.

It’s the seventh year of the event, which attracts fitness adventurers from all over Ireland.