from Triathlon Ireland Website The end of the season is upon us with just two more races on the calendar. This weekend will see the last two races – Beach Triathlon & Aqua Cycle and the Model Duathlon – both races being held in Northern Ireland. Last weekend Kilmore Triathlon Club hosted the The Blacksod Point Challenge in beautiful Co Mayo. Please read on for race report ……
The inaugural Erris Beo Blacksod Point Challenge went off with a bang. As competitors left the beach for the 1 mile swim across to Blacksod Pier a spontaneous round of applause erupted from the spectating crowd. Swim conditions were challenging but Pat Toughy, Mullaghmore Tri Club, set the fastest swim time of 19mins 41secs. A surprise fly by of the local Coastguard Helicopter was appreciated by all.
The bike course proved to be challenging for all competitors, as a strong South Westerly wind was blowing and even the top competitors found Tarmon Hill tough.
Those competitors who battled through the 1 mile swim and 41km cycle endured the 6 mile run across the commonage of Falmore, a tough course on a mixture of surfaces, but surrounded by clear skies, white sands and the back drop of Achill there were no complaints!
Both the fastest bike and run times were set by the overall winner Mark Dowling, Pulse Tri Club, and were 1hr 03mins 31sec and 34mins 14secs respectively. Mark’s overall time was 2hrs 01min 39secs.
The fastest female was Sinead Jennings who’s overall time was 02hrs 19mins 06secs. Sinead is a World Championship Silver Medal Rower who has recently turned her hand to triathlons. Both winners received bikes worth 1000euro, sponsored by Cycleways, Dublin.
There were many local competitors in the event and the fastest local competitor was Sean Leonard, Liquid Motion Tri Club, who completed the course in 2hrs 53mins 46sec.
Relay team Dental Express took the first prize in their category with a winning time of 2hrs 32mins 43secs. Relay entries proved popular amongst first time local competitors and there was stiff competition amongst each team as to who would come ahead.
Post event facilities were provided by the Broadhaven Bay Hotel, including shower and change facilities, a two course post race meal and prize giving facilities, a huge thanks for their assistance.
Kilmore Triathlon Club were delighted with the turn out for their first event, from both competitors and spectators alike. Local support was phenomenal and many competitors commented on the cheers and words of encouragement received from locals watching the event from their gardens along the route.
Kilmore Club would also like to sincerely thank their title sponsors Erris Beo and Failte Ireland and our race partners Kilmore Rural Social Scheme and Mayo County Council for all their support as without them this event would not have been possible.
The support services provided by the Civil Defence, The Gardai, Ballyglass Inshore Lifeboat, Belmullet Sub Aqua Club, Broadhaven Marine Training and the Coastguard ensured that this enormous sporting event was safe for all involved.
A huge amount of local sponsorship was received and we would urge you to check out our website www.kilmoretriathlonclub.com to see who contributed to the success of this event, and for up coming race photos.
The Blacksod Point Challenge is next scheduled for Saturday 19th September 2009 and we very much look forward to continuing it’s success. Kilmore Triathlon Club can be contacted at kilmoretri@gmail.com
Many thanks to all who took part in our clubs first event, one that I am delighted to say everyone enjoyed.
Jason Mangan
Race Director