IRELAND’S BIGGEST TRIATHLON ENTRIES REACH RECORD LEVELS Today, Tuesday 30th June, 2009, Waterways Ireland triAthlone, Ireland’s biggest triathlon, was launched in Grand Canal Dock by Liam Heavin, Chairman, Waterways Ireland triAthlone and a troop of tri-athletes. The triathlon which takes place takes place in Athlone on Saturday July 18th has a record number of entrants confirmed for this year’s event with over 2,500 competitors, the biggest Triathlon ever held in Ireland. Established in 2006, Waterways Ireland TriAthlone has fast gained a name as one of Europe’s leading triathlon competitions. In 2010 Waterways Ireland TriAthlone will host the European Triathlon Championships, which will attract competitors from all over the continent. It is the first time that Ireland will host such an event and it will provide unprecedented tourism opportunities for the midlands region.
Waterways Ireland TriAthlone is fast becoming one of the biggest emerging summer festivals where sport, entertainment and music meet. 2009 sees the exciting introduction of TriFest music festival where key Irish acts The Blizzards and Mundy will perform 17th, 18th and 19th July. Fáilte Ireland is main supporters for the TriFest music festival. Tickets and further information available: www.trifest.ie.
Four major charities who are officially involved will benefit from this year’s event include; Respect, Children’s Hospital Crumlin, Camara and Croi. Well known travel presenter Kathryn Thomas – will also be participating and fundraising for her charity – Respect.
Ireland’s first ever Olympic triathlete Emma Davis will return to Athlone in 2009, following her 2nd place finish there last year to fellow Olympian, Czech Olga Zemenova. Fellow Irish tri athletes Aileen Morrison and Gavin Nobel who both finished in the top 25 in the recent World Championship Series will also be taking part in the competition.
Liam Heavin, Chairman Waterways Ireland triAthlone said; “This is the biggest year yet for triAthlone with over 2,500 competitors taking part. We are thrilled by the year on year success of the event and the introduction of TriFest the music and comedy festival to this year’s event. The combination of sport, music and entertainment means we have something on offer for everyone. We hope to keep growing at the rate we have been over the past three years as we move towards hosting the European Championships next in 2010.”
“It’s fantastic to have the support of Waterways Ireland on an event that centres around the River Shannon. Their title sponsorship of the event and massive contribution to the running of the swimming section is a huge help and we could not do it without them”.
This year’s Waterways Ireland triAthlone event will be supported by premium sponsor Waterways Ireland, with significant support also provided by Athlone Town Council.
Martin Dennany, Director of Marketing and Communications for Waterways Ireland commented at the launch; “Waterways Ireland triAthlone is a phenomenal sporting event which continues to grow in popularity each year and we are delighted to support. We hope that the continued success of Waterways Ireland triAthlone will create an even greater awareness of the unique recreational resource that is the inland waterway system and will also provide an added benefit to the local economy,”.
The main race will begin with a 750m swim in the River Shannon and from there the competitors will then take to their bikes for a 20km cycle before a 5km run will see the event finish in the heart of Athlone town. The Waterways Ireland triAthlone will take place on the 18th of July.
ENDS.
NOTE TO EDITOR:
• Waterways Ireland triAthlone is Ireland’s biggest and fastest growing sport.
• Waterways Ireland triAthlone is Ireland’s biggest Triathlon
• Irelands top Athletes Aileen Morrison and Gavin Nobel will be participating
• TriAthlone is Europe’s top 10 Triathlon
• 2009 has seen a records number of entries received for the competition – 2,500 participants (75% male 25% female).
• In 2010 there will be over 5,000 participants.
• TriAthlone Festival to be one of the biggest ever events in the Midlands
For further information please contact;
Emer O’Reilly, Limelight Communications
E: emer.oreilly@limelight.ie or 045 856 346 M: 086 859 3658
Karen Morgan, Limelight Communications
E: karen.morgan@limelight.ie or 045 856 346
or
Karen Cunningham – TriAthlone
M: 087 948 0007