Kilkee braces itself for one hell of a challenge

DAY-TRIPPERS to Kilkee will increase dramatically this weekend as around 750 competitors are expected to compete in the torturous annual Hell of the West Triathlon.

Up to 700 triathletes will compete in the individual event on Saturday, with around 20 relay teams registered to take part in the 1,500m swim, 45km cycle and 10km run.
The swim will start at 10.10am on Saturday on Kilkee beach, taking in the Pollock Holes in the West End before finishing at the bandstand. Competitors will then hop on their bicycles before spinning through Doonbeg and Cree before arriving back in Kilkee.
They will then take to the road, running up Dunlickey Hill for 5km, turning and finishing in the town centre.
Race director Cillian Murphy, who will compete in the European championships in Athlone the following weekend, says that triathletes view Kilkee as the premier triathlon in the country.
“It’s the oldest triathlon in the country. It’s probably the ‘to do’ race in Ireland. Other triathlon clubs have put on harder races but they’ve gone out of their way to do that. We were the benchmark for a hard, tough race. What makes Kilkee a very tough race is the weather. There’s always wind on the bike. The last 5km on the bike and the first 5km of the run is really the reason why it’s called the Hell of the West,” Murphy explained.
More than 2,000 people are expected in Kilkee, directly as a result of the event.
“This is a huge weekend for Kilkee. Many people would say it’s probably one of the best weekends of the year. They come down Friday for registration, race Saturday and party Saturday night. Kilkee has the best after-race party in the country and everyone knows that,” the race director added.
Motorists in the Doonbeg-Cree area are asked to take into account that competitors will be cycling on the Kilkee to Cree road from 10.35am on Saturday.