Going the distance in the Lough Neagh Triathlon!

THIS year’s Lough Neagh Triathlon is set to be staged in Ballyronan on Saturday, August 17 with a midday start time.
By The Newsroom
Published 18th Jun 2013, 14:41 BST
Pictured at Ballyronan for the launch of the new format Lough Neagh Triathlon on Sat 17th August were front row from left May Devlin Ballyronan Development Association, Eunan Murray Sports Services Officer Cookstown District Council, Brian Campbell competitor, Liam Glavin Leisure Services Manager Cookstown District Council, Anne Paul and John Joe Muldoon competitors and Ian Lyle Race Director.Pictured at Ballyronan for the launch of the new format Lough Neagh Triathlon on Sat 17th August were front row from left May Devlin Ballyronan Development Association, Eunan Murray Sports Services Officer Cookstown District Council, Brian Campbell competitor, Liam Glavin Leisure Services Manager Cookstown District Council, Anne Paul and John Joe Muldoon competitors and Ian Lyle Race Director.
Pictured at Ballyronan for the launch of the new format Lough Neagh Triathlon on Sat 17th August were front row from left May Devlin Ballyronan Development Association, Eunan Murray Sports Services Officer Cookstown District Council, Brian Campbell competitor, Liam Glavin Leisure Services Manager Cookstown District Council, Anne Paul and John Joe Muldoon competitors and Ian Lyle Race Director.

It may be the 12th year that the event has been held in Ballyronan, but it’s all change for the event in 2013.

Ian Lyle from the Hi Elbow Triathlon Club said their plan for the Lough Neagh Triathlon is to make it a much more community focused event.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We want to increase local community participation in the event so we have shortened the distance of the event to a sprint distance race, with a 750 metre swim, 20km cycle and 5km run. Experienced triathletes like to test themselves over this sprint distance, but it’s also a popular distance for those who have only recently taken up the sport,” he said.

“This year we will also promote a super sprint distance event aimed at those new to triathlon. With a 300 metre swim, 10km cycle and 2.5km run it still represents a sporting challenge, but one which is achievable with a bit of training and dedication. We hope to attract as many locals as possible to the super sprint race.”

Oliver McShane, Sports Services Manager with Cookstown District Council said the new distances will reduce the impact the race has on the residents of Ballyronan.

The swim section will be a triangular course starting and finishing on the beach. The cycle course takes in the Ballynagarve Road, Loves Road, Carraloan Road and Ballyronan Road. For the first time the run course will take in the Ballyronan ‘Woodland Trail’ before covering an out and back course along the Ballynagarve Road.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The event is still jointly organised by the Hi Elbow Triathlon Club, Cookstown District Council, and T.A.B.B.D.A.

The Hi Elbow Club has appointed Oliver Harkin, Primed Coaching as the official race coach for 2013.

You can contact the organisers with any questions on [email protected].