Busy month for local members

Saturday 4th August was the date for what is widely accepted as the toughest standard distance triathlon on the local circuit. Top of the Mourne Olympic triathlon is a 1mile sea swim was followed by a 40k cycle through the mountains, finished off with a very steep 10k foot race.

Sean McIntyre again showed his class by finishing 9th overall in a time of 2.23 for another category win. Close on his heels were Darragh Corvan and Philip Castles. Leeanne Corvan finished strongly continuing her impressive year.

Saturday 11th August saw eight TUNA athletes take to the start line of the Tri the Lough Sprint event in the village of Loughmacrory. Although there were no section wins this time some good times were posted with George Graham and Christin McMaster coming out as top TUNA male and female. The next day Stephen Guy and Philip Castles took on the non-standard distance event at Portaferry. A very tough 1km swim from Strangford to Portaferry was followed by a 30km cycle and a 7km run. The two club mates had a terrific battle out on the course with Phil taking the win by just 5 seconds. They finished 9th and 10th overall in a very strong field.

Sunday 19th August was a busy day with Carlingford Olympic and Groomsport Half Ironman events running simultaneously. In the Carlingford event Phil Castles improved yet again to finish 15th in a great time of 2.13. Paul Skelly 2.23 and Inge d’Haese also posted strong times. Paul Cullen, Gary McDonald and Leeanne Corvan undertook the Half Ironman distance at Groomsport. A 1.9k swim, 90K cycle and 20k run was the challenge for 190 starters. Paul finished 22nd in a super time of 4.52. Gary continued his preparation for the full Ironman distance in Wales by posting a strong time of 5.28. Leeanne knocked nearly 30 minutes of her previous best for the distance coming home in 5.57.

TUNA Triathlon Club is always on the lookout for new members of any ability or age to join up. Contact them at Cascades Leisure Centre any Thursday night at 8.30pm.