Busy time for TUNA club

Despite diabolical weather, the TUNA faithful turned out at five triathlon events around the country.

On June 2 The Trilimits 123 Sprint triathlon was held alongside the half ironman distance at Eskragh Lake near Dungannon.

Seven TUNA athletes took part in the sprint event and again it was Philip Castles who took the honours, finishing seventh overall in a time of 1.06.

Special mention should to go to Simon Caulfield who completed his first event in a time of 1.42. A great achievement for a very popular club member.

Gary McDonald and Phil Orr continued their preparation for Ironman Wales by tackling the half ironman distance. Gary was home in 5.18 with Phil finishing in a respectable 6.29.

June 9 saw the running of the biggest event in the triathlon calendar at Crooked Lake in Camlough.

This sprint distance event attracted 500 competitors from all over Ireland and 11 TUNA athletes lined up for the deep water start in very cold conditions.

Sean McIntyre kicked his season off in style finishing as top TUNA in 1.07. Strong performances followed by Stephen Guy, Darragh Corvan and Paul Skelly. Leanne Corvan and Inge d’Haese were impressive again for the girls and everyone was home in under 1.30.

June 16 was the date for the picturesque Causeway Olympic distance event in Portrush.

The 9am start was delayed due to high winds and freezing seas. The organisers were forced to cut the swim, cycle and run short and moved the swim to the West Strand where conditions were slightly more favourable.

Again it was Sean McIntyre who shone finishing sixth overall. Close behind in ninith was a guest appearance by local gym owner Johnny Betts.

TUNA had 11 finishers overall and all should be congratulated on finishing this tough event in dreadful conditions. Only 114 athletes finished the event out of 180 entrants.

Sean McIntyre and Leanne Corvan both won their age group categories.

The Glenarm Sprint triathlon rounded off the month and again it was the impressive Philip Castles who was first home for TUNA in a time of 1.15. Ryan Rainey was next home in 1.17. Philip McDonald and Seamus Casey also impressed finishing the event strongly in very wet and unpleasant conditions.

The club is hoping for some better weather for upcoming events in July

To find out more go to www.tunatriathlon.org or you can find them on Facebook and Youtube. Even better, come along to Cascades Leisure Centre any Thursday night at 8.30 PM for an introduction to the sport of Triathlon.