Triathlon: Countdown on for Lough Neagh Triathlon

The popular event will take the form of a sprint distance race, incorporating a 750 metre swim, 20km cycle and 5km run.

New for 2014 will be the Super Sprint Distance event and a new children’s event.

Commenting on this year’s event, Hubert Brown Kerr, from organisers Hi Elbow Club said: “The 2014 Lough Neagh Triathlon, sponsored by Acti-Snack, is set to be a fantastic event for the whole community to enjoy.

“This year we will have a Super Sprint Distance event including a 300 metre swim, 10km cycle and 2.5km run. Whilst that still represents a sporting challenge, it is one which is achievable with a little training and dedication, so it’s a good choice for people new to triathlon.”

Hubert went on to comment: “For the first time, a children’s event will take place from 10.30am, catering for young people aged 4–15 years old.

“Younger age groups have ‘run only’ events whilst older age groups can take part in a swim and run, provided that they wear a wetsuit.

“The goal is to encourage participation and fun, rather than putting the emphasis on winning and losing”.

This year the race organisers are delighted to have welcomed a new major sponsor on board - sports nutrition brand, Acti-Snack.

Hubert said: “It’s a real coup for the Lough Neagh Triathlon to this year have secured a partnership with Acti-Snack, an innovative range of sports nutrition snacks, made in Northern Ireland and distributed across the world, designed to meet specific nutritional and sporting needs.”

Ronan Gourley, Sales Manager for Health and Leisure, Acti-Snack, said: “Acti-Snack is proud to support the Lough Neagh Triathlon, a high profile event in the local sporting calendar.

“Our mixed fruit, nut and seed snacks are designed to meet sports nutrition objectives – protein for recovery, carbohydrates for fuel and a mix of proteins, healthy fats and carbohydrates for endurance. Each of these sporting objectives are essential when training for and participating in endurance sport and as such Acti-Snack is the perfect fit for the Lough Neagh Triathlon.

“This is one of the many events Acti-Snack is supporting which encourage active and healthy lifestyles. We wish everyone participating and the organisers of this year’s Lough Neagh Triathlon the very best of luck,” said Ronan.

The Lough Neagh Triathlon is held in high regard by Triathlon Ireland, whose members have previously voted it twice as their “Race of the Year”. In the past it also hosted ITU races, with the world’s best triathletes like Alistair Brownlee and Javier Gomez, both making the trip to Ballyronan.

Ireland’s finest Aileen Morrison and Connor Murphy both sampled early success at Lough Neagh.

The event is still jointly organised by the Hi Elbow Triathlon Club, Cookstown District Council, and T.A.B.B.D.A. Everyone participating in the Lough Neagh Triathlon, sponsored by Acti-Snack, will receive Acti-Snack products and complimentary snacks will be distributed to supporters.

Entry is open and available online for all races at www.triathlonireland.com and all races start from midday onwards. Organisers can be contacted with any questions on [email protected]