Extra places for Triathlon

Now more than 500 triathletes of all abilities will take on the gruelling challenge in the inaugural City of Culture Triathlon on June 23rd.

It was initially planned that 300 competitors would take part in the event organised by North West Triathlon Club (NWTC) and places were snapped up in double quick time.

However, the new sponsors have energised the event and 200 people who missed out first time around now have the opportunity to take part in the hotly anticipated challenge which will include an open water swim in the spectacular River Foyle, a testing ride on the city’s two famous road bridges, and a run which takes in Derry’s iconic Peace Bridge and the recently regenerated Ebrington Square.

The triathalon is the highlight in NWTC’s calendar and is part of a programme of activity-based festivities for young and old to celebrate the club’s 30th anniversary and mark Londonderry’s year as City of Culture.

“This exciting event is bringing sports such as swimming, cycling and running, to an even wider audience, as well as showcasing NWTC and Derry as leaders in sporting excellence,” said Michael Scott, general manager of Firmus Energy.

“We hope that our support of the Firmus Energy City of Culture Triathlon will ‘energise’ the programme of activities around the event even further. I know registrations are exceeding expectations and that our support will allow the competition to be opened up to even more entrants.

Paul McGilloway, Race Director at NWTC, said he was delighted to announce that the number of entrants had almost doubled due to the support of the energy firm.

“We are delighted that on the 30th anniversary of our club, our sport is more popular than ever and we will be encouraging even more people to take part.”

But he urged anyone aiming to take part in the three-disciplined event to enter early and prepare properly.

“Now is the time to start training and be part of something special. Regular runs, cycles and swims to build your stamina will pay dividends on race day. We will be posting suggested training schedules on our website to guide participants as ‘too much too soon’ is not advisable.

“The event, on 23rd June, comprises a 750m open water swim in the River Foyle followed by a 20km closed road cycle culminating in a 5km flat run that takes in key attractions around the city including the iconic Peace Bridge. There will be plenty of complementary events throughout the week for children and adults to join in, including a ‘Buddy Swim’ in the Foyle which partners a child with an adult in a competitive race.”

For further information log on to www.firmusenergytriathlon.co.uk or to register online visit www.triathlonireland.com.