Triathlon a runaway success

After more than 200 competitors took part in the first-ever Lough Cutra Castle Triathlon on Sunday, organisers have said they will run the event in the South Galway venue again next year. First timers, children, families and elite triathletes from across Ireland and the UK, racing either in teams or by themselves, competed in Sunday’s variety of races.

Race director Brian Adcock deemed the inaugural event a success.
“This was a wonderful start to triathlons at Lough Cutra Castle, exceeding expectations with over 200 taking part. We have welcomed the Irish warmth and hospitability, which has been received from the very start and it is a great sign to see that triathletes have already booked their places in the 2013 event, set to take place on Sunday, May 26,” he commented.
The Olympic distance, the longest of the six races on offer, was won by British triathlete Mark Threlfall, who was joined by other elite athletes including team mates Doug Hall and Jacqui Slack as well as top Irish finisher Arthur Beades from Galway Triathlon Club. Local charity partners for the event were Cancer Care West and Gort Playground Group.
Winner Mark Threlfall commented, “I loved this race. It’s right back to the roots of what a triathlon should be and so much better than a race run entirely on roads.”
One of the Lough Cutra Castle family, Rollo Gwyn-Jones, took part in the triathlon and finished a very creditable sixth in the Olympic distance. Rollo was delighted with the event, saying, “It was a wonderful day despite some inclement weather conditions early on. The whole community really got behind the triathlon and helped make it so successful. We’re all looking forward to next year already.”
Many families took part as races cater for children from eight years of age. Proud father, Bill Coyne and his two sons, Kevin (11) and Liam (9) from Westport, County Mayo, had set themselves a family challenge this year to complete the Lough Cutra Castle Triathlon, the first triathlon for the two boys.
Chris Nicholson, estate manager at Lough Cutra Castle, expressed his delight at hosting the event in the South Galway venue.
“The landscape, beauty and space that the Lough Cutra Castle Park provides is a fabulous environment for this event. We are thrilled to be part of the prestigious Markel Castle Triathlon Series and look forward to building on the excellent foundations created by this year’s event,” he explained.