Cited as ‘a triumph of a triathlon’, over 1,000 competitors enjoyed stunning scenery and exciting racing at the Lough Cutra Castle Triathlon, in Gort, County Galway, Ireland, last weekend (Sunday 25 May). The event tripled in size this year – with first timers, 200 children, families and elite triathletes from across Ireland, the UK, Europe and as far afield as the Philippines, racing either in teams or on their own.
The organisers noted a real coup for the event in just its third year to have the Olympic distance race designated by Triathlon Ireland as a National Series race and as a qualification race for the ETU European Triathlon Championships and ITU World Triathlon Championships 2015.
The flagship race was the new Gauntlet half iron distance with 112 hardy souls competing for the inaugural title. Gauntlet partner Amphibian King was pleased with this event’s success with owner Sean Conroy saying, “We’re delighted to be involved with this triathlon festival and look forward to further growth and expansion.”
The Lough Cutra Castle Triathlon is the first of the five Castle Triathlon Series weekend events to take place this year. Each castle offers a high quality, competitive and safe race set in beautiful grounds and spectacular surroundings, testament to the 15,000 competitors who are set to take part in the series this year.
Race Director, Brian Adcock was delighted with the success of the opening event saying, “We’re delighted to have tripled the number of competitors since last year. We had competitors from more than 50 tri clubs and kids from 88 different schools. We’re already taking bookings for next year’s race which takes place on Sunday 24th May 2015.”
www.loughcutratri.ie
www.castletriathlonseries.co.uk
