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Lough Cutra Tri under starters orders

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Organisers of Lough Cutra Castle Triathlon are expecting in the region of 750 competitors in 2013.
Details of next year’s Lough Cutra Castle Triathlon were announced this week. The explosion in popularity of such events saw several hundred competitors take part in the inaugural triathlon at the South Galway estate earlier this year.
The 2013 date has now been confirmed for Sunday, May 26 and organisers are confidently expecting a large field based on the comparative growth of the series. The Galway race will be the first in the Markel Castle Triathlon Series that holds similar events in the UK and France. Last year the Lough Cutra event attracted more than 200 competitors. It includes the full Olympic distance plus shorter options meaning first timers and families are particularly well provided for.
Local competitor. Jennifer Quinn from Peterswell who, is a member of Galway Triathlon Club, was third Irishwoman over the line.
“I think it is fantastic to have a race of this quality in Gort. It’s great to take part in such a good race with no accommodation or travel costs to worry about. I really enjoyed the course and I’m looking forward to doing it again in 2013,” she said.
The event is sanctioned by the governing body for triathlons in Ireland, Triathlon Ireland ensuring the highest possible organisational and safety standards.
“The Lough Cutra Castle Triathlon takes place in a spectacular venue and is an ideal race for all ages and abilities. This year there is a sprint, standard and middle distance to choose from as well as a children’s race catering for 8-15 year olds. The 2012 event was a big success and the team have again been working hard with Triathlon Ireland’s technical officials to make this year’s event safe and fun for everyone involved,” said Scott Graham, development and media officer, Triathlon Ireland.
Local triathlon clubs, families, schools and sports and social clubs in businesses all took part and are set to compete again.
Organisers are encouraging people of all ages and abilities to take part in the event.
“Lough Cutra Castle is one of the few triathlons which caters specifically for families and children. Races for children are in three age groups: 8-10 year olds, 11-12 year olds and 13-15 year olds. The Hever Castle Triathlon, another event in the Markel Castle Triathlon Series, is the largest children’s triathlon in Europe with 800 children taking part this year,” said a spokesperson for the event.
“Relay teams are also welcome, perhaps an easy way to dip a toe in the triathlon waters and do just one of the three legs. Relay teams are a fantastic option for sports and social clubs as charity fundraisers and as team building exercises. The official charity partners for Lough Cutra Castle Triathlon are the Sunni Mae Trust and the local Coole Football Team. Competitors are encouraged to fundraise for these very worthy causes,” the spokesperson added.
Involvement in an international series brings visitors from the UK and France to the area, fitting in with Tourism Ireland’s strategy to market the West of Ireland as an unrivalled adventure sport destination.
Race director, Brian Adcock said, “Our events are popular because of their festival atmosphere as well as the professional race offered. Lough Cutra Castle is the perfect venue and we are pleased to have the support of the local community in return for the benefits we bring. Triathlon creates a carnival mood that is good for the local economy and good for tourism as well as being good for athletes and their families.
“The Markel Castle Triathlon Series welcomed 8,000 competitors across the five events in 2012 and we are thrilled to have Ireland in the mix. We’re really looking forward to seeing Lough Cutra Castle Triathlon go from strength to strength. We have big plans for this fantastic venue over the next few years. We want to put Galway firmly on the triathlon map.”
The castle and estate are owned by the Gwyn-Jones family who took part in last year’s event as a team. Registration is now open for the 2013 Lough Cutra Triathlon.

 

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