Reid launches City of Culture triathlon

Reid, who has had a memorable 2012 competiting at the Olympics in London, admitted she may even take part in next year’s race.

“I would love to come back to Derry,” she conceded.

“I love doing events in Ireland but I don’t always get the opportunity because of the international race calendar and the way things fall but if I got back next year it would be absolutely amazing to race here in Derry, swim in the Foyle and bike the two bridges and to run over the Peace Bridge.

“There’s no better place to have a triathlon than Derry with its three bridges. It’s every exciting for the North West triathlon club and the swimming club and for the City of Culture because it will showcase our city in the right way. It’s great that this is happening now and we can have a proper triathlon back in the Foyle.”

North West Triathlon Club Vice Chairman Eamon Harkin also can’t wait to next June.

“This is the club’s 30th anniversary also so it works out very well that we’re hosting this race. We’re also in negotiations with Triathlon Ireland and the British Triathlon Association to try and bring an international flavour to the event.

“I’ve talked to a few people already in the town and they are now learning to swim or improving their swimming because they want to take part. I know of several runners who are looking at triathlon as the next step so hopefully we will have plenty of people from the town involved as well as plenty of people from outside the town.”

Welcoming the event, the Mayor, Cllr Kevin Campbell said:

“It is with great pleasure that as Mayor I launch the City of Culture Triathlon and as such I am proud that Derry will host such a prestigious event.”

As part of the City of Culture Celebrations 2013, the North West Triathlon Club will be hosting a unique sporting spectacle on the banks of the River Foyle.

On Sunday, June 23, the Londonderry public can take in all the excitement and drama that is triathlon racing, a 750m swim along the Foyle, a 20km cycle around our famous two bridges and a 5km run from the city centre, across the beautiful Peace Bridge and towards Ebrington square, before finishing with a flourish along the quay.

The event promises to be one of the highlights of the City of Culture sporting calendar with up to 500 competitors from across Ireland and the UK taking part in this gruelling event.

Registrations for the event will open soon, and early registration is encouraged due to the demand for entries. Registration can be made via the Triathlon Ireland Website at www.triathlonireland.com or by contacting a member of the North West Triathlon Club.

Now in its 30th year the North West Triathlon Club has a long-standing and proud reputation for hosting triathlon events for the city.

This year the City of Culture triathlon promises to be a triathlon for the city, for both spectators and athletes alike.