Even better value for those paying in Euro. Venue Few coastal villages can compare with Groomsport for scenic charm, tranquil beauty and historical heritage. Situated in the borough of North Down, on the southern shores of Belfast Lough it is within easy reach of Belfast and the wider travel network. With excellent road connections, the nearest airport is just 14 miles away and Bangor train station is only 2.5 miles away.
For further information and detailed directions visit www.northdowntourism.com Course This section will be updated in more detail over the coming weeks, but essentially we’ll be using the same course as previous years. The 226 Challenge will do double swim and bike laps while the run will do an extended section on flat tarmac.
Swim – 1.9k or 3.8k Two lap for Half Ireman and four laps for the 226 Challenge, anti-clockwise, triangular sea swim with athletes exiting the water for a short beach run between laps. Just five metres from beach to transition. Bike – 90k or 180k A fast three/six lap course with no major climbs. Mainly rural, with excellent road surfaces for the vast majority of the loop. Skirts Bangor and then takes in the villages of Carrowdore, Millisle and Donaghadee. Returns past the village of Groomsport at the end of each lap. Aid station every 30k. Run – 21k or 42k Figure of eight, two lap run course beginning on road, then going off road, then coastal path, then beach, then past transition, then coastal path, then beach etc etc. then transition again to finish first lap. Multi terrain with superb coastal vistas and crowd support just when you need it.
The 226 Challenge course has extended road sections on each lap to make up the distance. Prizes In the true spirit of triathlon – there are no cash prizes awarded at Ireman. They believe that all athletes are competing against the clock, the course and the elements.
