All roads lead to the Aura Leisure Centre this weekend for a new and exclusive event on the 2018 Triathlon Ireland race Calendar.
The inaugural Tri-gether, ladies only triathlon event hosted by Letterkenny 24/7 Triathlon Club in association with Triathlon Ireland, takes place this Sunday, September 30.
This is the first ladies only triathlon event to be held in Donegal and race directors Anne Robinson and Fiona McDaid promise competitors they will not be left disappointed.
Speaking at the official launch of the triathlon at Aura Leisure Centre on Wednesday night Anne said she is looking forward to the big day “The club has had an amazing 2018 to date and we were only too delighted to come on board with Triathlon Ireland to deliver this exclusive event to the ladies of Ireland.
The triathlon offers both a 750m swim option for the more experienced triathletes as well as a 400m swim option for those wanting to dip their toes into triathlon for the first time – a great way of uniting females in triathlon. We are putting the finishing touches to the plans now and we are eagerly awaiting race day.”
The Brewery Bar has come on board as the main local sponsor for the event and so the all-important triathlon after party will sure to be a good one! The club also has several associate sponsors on board including Rachael Stilvern Chartered Physiotherapist, Amanda Witherow Wellness, Letterkenny Credit Union, TC Haulage, RoMc Business Consultants, Michelle Given Pilates, John Edwards and sons and Wassons Garage.
Without such local support, the event would not be a success so the club are extremely grateful.
To help promote the event the club has three local ladies- Maria McCambridge, Mary Bond and Erin McGinty- signed up for the event and they are going to share their journey online to the event. The girls have never completed a triathlon before so it’s a challenge for them all.
Former Olympian and marathon record holder Maria McCambridge is well renowned both nationally and internationally for her running accomplishments but she decided to sign up to the event to challenge herself in another sport.
Speaking at the event Maria said she is looking forward to it “I am both nervous and excited about the prospect but so far I have really been enjoying the training.
Swimming is a challenge for me so I am working hard at conquering that”. Mary Bond is also relishing the challenge. A member of the 24/7 triathlon club, Mary enjoys open water swimming and can’t wait to take on a triathlon having completed duathlons in the past.
Erin McGinty, a local blogger from @coolestplaceontheplanet was thrilled when she saw the event advertised online. Having just completed a half marathon recently, Erin is using the triathlon as the perfect opportunity to try something new.
Triathlon Ireland and Letterkenny 24/7 are hoping to see both experienced triathletes take part as well as those looking for a challenge and something new. The event will cater for all with estimated swim times taken at registration to ensure swimmers are placed in the appropriate swimlane and wave.
It all kicks off at 9:00am on the day with the first wave of competitors entering the water at Aura Leisure Centre- a 400m swim awaits those taking part in the Super Sprint event and for anyone that little bit more experienced they must complete a 750m swim in the Sprint race.
Competitors must then cycle a 20k route, leaving from the transition area at Aura car park which will take them out the Newmills road- a mostly flat cycle but with a hill thrown in for good measure- it is Donegal after all! Competitors must then complete a 5k to finish.
Torture you may say but for those yet to dip their toes into triathlon, one of the fastest growing sports in Ireland, that feeling of crossing the finish line is one of complete elation. If only it could be somehow bottled!!
The weeks of hard work and training will finally have paid off and the feelings of exhaustion will be replaced with sheer joy. Most will catch the triathlon bug and even those that won’t will rave about their Sunday exploits for months to come!
See you all on the start line!!`
Timeline of Events:
Venue: Aura Leisure Centre, Letterkenny, Co Donegal
Saturday 29th September 2018
16:30 – 18:00 Registration in Aura Leisure Centre – we are appealing to those who are local to, if possible, please register on Saturday evening
Sunday 30th September 2018
7:00 am – 8:15 am Registration – N.B. closing time will be strictly adhered to!
7:15 am Transition opens to competitors
8:20 am Transition closed
8:30 am Race Briefing at registration area (hall/concourse past reception)
9:00 am Race Start
1:00 pm Presentation of Prizes
