Hundreds to compete in castle triathlon

IN the region of 400 people are expected to take part in this weekend’s Lough Cutra Castle Triathlon. The event takes place on Sunday and entries are up on last year, according to organisers, who expect about 100 competitors from the UK and others from France.

Part of the international Castle Triathlon Series, Lough Cutra has both adult and children’s competitions on the day. Families and first-time triathletes, as well as elite and experienced Olympic distance competitors, will line up to compete in six different races.

Castle owners, the Gwyn-Jones family, are planning to be right in the thick of things with mum Susannah taking part as one leg of a relay team and sons Rollo and Dominic entering the Olympic distance race.

A separate women-only start within the sprint triathlon is a novel option and is aimed at people who want to avoid the hustle and bustle of the swim start. Adult races take place in the morning, with children’s in the afternoon.

A further attraction is an international competition between Ireland and England and the Irish team of Rory Maguire, Matt Molloy and Amy Wolfe are confident of putting in a great performance.

Everyone is welcome to come in to the normally private castle estate for the day.

The Lough Cutra Castle race is part of the Markel Insurance Castle Triathlon Series, which includes five weekend events in Ireland, England and France over the summer.