Having raced the majority of races on the triathlon circuit and having travelled to every corner of the country over the past eight years, I have experienced the delights and flavours of not just the races, but the bars and restaurants where I’ve relaxed afterwards. Participating in triathlon in Ireland is a great way to see and experience out fantastic country. And now there are an excellent array of adventure and multi-sport races spicing up the scene which also warrant plenty of attention.
With the increasing numbers competing in Irish triathlon and multi-sport events, demand is outstripping supply. Therefore it is recommended that you pick your keys races for the year and make sure you get an entry to them.
If you plan on doing two races, then aim to enter three, using one as a backup if you do not get in or you don’t make the race due to injury or unforeseen events.
Pick new events each year to challenge yourself and to visit new places. Try to involve your friends and family by bringing them with to make a weekend of it.
Steepest and hardest
The 53 Degrees North Beast of the East: The “Beast” says it all in the name. Set in the mountains of Wicklow, this race starts in the lake of Lough Dan, which is feed from the actual lake owned by Guinness family estate above it. Despite its name, this race surprised many of its participants who could be heard muttering to themselves “the hardest the triathlon I have ever done”. The post-race complimentary BBQ is a welcome way to replace those burnt-up calories. The 53 Degrees North Beast of the East takes place on Sunday 25 July 2010. For more details, visit: www.wicklowtri.com
Flattest and fastest
TriAthy: With Olympic, sprint and junior races, TriAthy is arguably the fastest and flattest race in the country. A down-river swim and closed roads make this course a must if you want to achieve your personal best time. It is easy to get to and a great early season race to test your form. The various TriAthy events take place over Saturday and Sunday 5 & 6 June 2010. For details visit: www.triathy.ie
Most fun
Gael Force: This adventure race is very different to the other events featured in this article and suits non swimmers. It is not actually a triathlon as kayaking replaces the swim leg of the race, but it is great fun. The run up Croagh Patrick is incredibly tough as it come very late in the event. A must-do for those looking to do something a little different. This race takes place on 21 August in 2010. For more details visit: www.gaelforceevents.com
Most scenic
The Lost Sheep Ironman, Kenmare, and Valentia Island Triathlon: Both of these events, which vie for the title of most scenic, are very weather dependent, but on a good day they are unbeatable in terms of natural beauty. With such stunning scenery and because for most people to get there is such a long drive, I really recommend making a weekend of it. The Valentia race involves competitors taking a ferry to the mainland and swimming back to the island for the opening leg – a must-do for the novelty factor! As for the Kenmare race, the cycle leg is simply breathtaking as are the hairpin bends on the descent! In 2010, the Lost Sheep Half Ironman takes place on Saturday 11 September while the Valentia Island Triathlon (http://www.corktri.com) will run on Saturday 22 May (www.jakera.com/triathlon/Ulster_Bank_Valentia_Triathlon_2008.html).
Best mountain bike section
The Columbia CLEC is another adventure race that really is worth checking out. It’s one of the most established races on the adventure racing calendar, with stalwarts making it a must-do on their annual calendar. The mountain bike section is real single track over the Cooley Mountains and the descent back into Carlingford village offers views over Carlingford Lough that are to die for. This is one of the best organised events on the calendar too, with Johnny McCabe taking the helm as race director and racing in the event too, which proves it can be done. The race after-party is always a cracker with camping usually available nearby. The Columbia CLEC takes place on Saturday 10 July 2010. For more details, visit: www.clec.ie
Best post-race night out
Kilkee Hell of the West and Lough Hyne Challenge Baltimore: Kilkee is a race that many take seriously and train hard for. Therefore, it is one after which people let off some stream. Hence the jammed dance floors in the local hotel after the event. Tradition has it that Limerick Tri Club members also strip to their waist to show other clubs just how white a Limerick torso can be! Baltimore and most other small West Cork venues are unbeatable when it comes to great service dining out. Baltimore is a cracker of a place for a night out after the Lough Hyne Triathlon, organised be West Cork Tri Club. This year the Kilkee Hell of the West runs on Saturday 26 June. For details visit: www.limericktriathlon.com. The Lough Hyne Challenge Baltimore takes place on Saturday 17 July. Details are available at www.westcorktri.com. Party animals welcome to both!
Most prestigious
Kilkee is always the true test and is placed mid season where most Triathletes are at their best. It has won the right to host the National Olympic Championships on numerous occasions. (See above for dates.)
Best off-road
Eireman X is set in an almost tropical jungle setting near Courtown. The course is 100% off road, with plenty of water crossings (picture wading chest deep through rivers with your wheels slung over your shoulder). It is a most fun and rewarding race. In fact it tickled our fancy so much at the Outsider offices that we entered the four newbie triathletes that we helped kit out and train last year into the race. They got muddy – and they had a ball. A mountain bike and some MTB skills are a distinct advantage. This more unusual event takes place on 19 September. Visit www.eireman.org for more details.
Best for beginners
Carrick-on-Suir: This race includes a short, down-river (with the tide) swim, followed by a fast cycle and a flat riverside run. It is compact, spectator friendly and an ideal one-day event for beginners. This race takes place on Saturday 17 July 2010.Visit www.tricarrick.com for details.
Best city/town tri
TriAthlone: Athlone is taken over by a festival of triathlon every year. The 2010 European Tri Champs are being held there this year, which is a testament to the venue, the organising team and to the town of Athlone itself. The Athlone event could also win the title of tri with the best support with the bridge over the Shannon possibly being Ireland’s favourite spectator spot. Thousands of triathletes run over the bridge multiple times, with family and loved ones cheering them on, leading to a very fast run (over the bridge section anyway!). The event takes place on Saturday 3 July 2010. For more details visit: www.triathlone.com
Best for foodies
Little Bo Beep Tri in Kenmare and King of the Hill in Kinsale: When it comes to seafood and service, Kinsale and Kenmare boast very high standards. The pub-style eateries and informality of eating out in both these towns mean that you will feel welcome when wearing your post race T-shirt! Kenmare’s Little Bo Beep Tri takes place on Saturday 7 August 2010 while Kinsale’s King of the Hill runs on Saturday 24 July.
Best organised
Dublin City Tri: Although the standard of race organisation is very high across the country, with countless race committees devoting endless time to look after the welfare and safety of their competitors, the fact that Dublin City Tri manages to secure closed roads in our nation’s capital makes it a stand-out event. This near miracle is thanks to Piranha Tri Club which runs this event annually in and around the Phoenix Park. The club continues year on year to improve this amazing parkland event. The race runs on Sunday 29 August 2010. For more details, visit: www.dublincitytriathlon.com
Best newcomer
Blacksod Point Tri: Taking place in scenic Co Mayo, the Blacksod Tri was, by all accounts, a fantastic well run race over a great course. Taking place on Saturday 18 September, it’s a must for anyone looking for a new tri event but would also make a great place to debut.
Safest
Lough Neagh Tri, Mourne Tri and Crooked Lake Tri: Events run in the North are known for their great safety record, closed roads and full cooperation by the PNSI. These are solid and well-established events and are well worth signing up for, despite the long drive up for many. For details on the Lough Neagh, Mourne and Crooked Lake tris, visit 1?, www.otcbelfast.com and 3? respectively. Lough Neagh Tri takes place on Saturday 14 August, the Mourne Tri is yet to be decided and Crooked Lake Tri on Saturday 5 June.
For a full calendar of tri events in Ireland, visit: www.triathlonireland-server.com/Events/EventCalendar/2010
