Lisburn’s inaugural duathlon series off to a flyer

This first race brought some 180 racers to Down Royal Racecourse to test their abilities against athletes from all across the province. The race included a two mile run, 10 mile bike and a further two mile run.

Despite the weather causing some minor adjustments to the course and start time, this was very much a race in every sense of the word. Congratulations to the winners:

Kevin Egan - Male Open, who romped home in an impressive time of 51 minutes and 10 seconds, and Heather Foley - Female Open who led the Ladies race from the start and finished in 54 minutes and 34 seconds. A special mention goes to Lisburn Prodigy, James Edgar who made short work of the Junior competition, finishing 8th overall in a time of 54 minutes and 32 seconds.

On hand to start the first race was the Mayor of Lisburn, Councillor Margaret Tolerton who commented: “Lisburn City Council would like to congratulate all athletes who came out this chilly Sunday morning to compete in the first Lisburn Duathlon Series.

“With so many competitors involved a special mention should not only go to the winners, but all those that completed the race. Finally, recognition should be afforded to those that volunteered their time to make sure this race went as smoothly as possible with no incidents.”

Lisburn Triathlon club is a new club that formed in September 2012 after considerable interest from triathletes in the Lisburn area. Triathlon is now the fastest growing sport in the United Kingdom with all abilities welcome and this is never so true than within Lisburn Triathlon Club. The Club now has 50 members with varying degrees of experience from athletes competing in Full Ironman, to newbies aiming to complete in their first Sprint Distance.

The Club would like to thank all volunteers, especially those from Tri Limits, who gave up their time to make the race a success.

This was the first in a series of three races with the second planned for March 9, and the third race planned for April 6. With only a few places left for these races, competitors are encouraged to sign up early to avoid disappointment.

Chairman of Lisburn Triathlon Club, Neil Beck added: “I was delighted to see the first of our three race Duathlon Series being such a success, with spectators, competitors and volunteers all commenting on the warmth of welcome experienced in Lisburn. I look forward to welcoming even further participants to our next race.”

For further information on the Lisburn Duathlon Series go to: http://www.lisburntriathlonclub.co.uk/About/duathlonseriesnormal.htm