Over 50 intrepid Sligo Triathlon Club members recently participated in this year’s Mullaghmore Sprint Triathlon. The sprint distance comprises of a 750m swim, 20km run and a 5km run. It was the 10th year of the event and in all, there were almost 400 competitors taking part with the male participants vastly outweighing the number of females competing.The glorious sunshine which showcased the spectacular surrounding scenery proved to be hugely inviting to all participants. Despite the choppy conditions of the water and the long wade out to reach a level to swim in, there were nevertheless fast swim times recorded. Strong winds prevailed and proved to be testing for many competitors during the route of the cycle which was from Mullaghmore through Cliffoney on to Grange and back to Mullaghmore again. The exposed wind engulfed Moneygold section of the cycle proved to be particularly difficult for many people to endure. The wind didn’t abate during the run which was around the headland with a couple of arduous hills pushing even the most accomplished of triathletes. The fantastic support from so many spectators was particularly encouraging for all concerned.
Joseph Lynch set a new course record at a time of 1:00:28. His wife Aoife was in fact second female home. She was a mere 6 seconds slower than the now 5 time female winner Trudy Brown who posted a time of 1:09:27. Many Sligo Tri club members completed their first triathlon with 12 members finishing in the top 50. Accomplished local traithlete Neil Walton finished in 5th place at an impressive time of 1:02:39 while Caoimhe Ni Mhurchu was the first local female to finish at a time of 1:18:16. She was the 8th fastest lady. Both Mairin Laffey and Mick Walton were the fastest local veterans. It was Mairin’s first triathlon and all of her hard work over the winter months especially at her swimming paying off. 16 year old Tommy Maxwell was the fastest local junior club member to finish the race completing his first triathlon at a time of 1:23:55. With so many successful times recorded all club members can now look forward to yet more successes with the Rosses Point Tri imminent on July 31st.
