All systems go for next week's Kilkenny Duathlon

It’s that time of year again - a time when people from all over Kilkenny and beyond flock to the Marble City to run and cycle on its roads and paths.

Preparations are well underway for the Kilkenny Duathlon, a run-cycle-run event which will be held in the city on Sunday, April 6. Organised by the Kilkenny Triathlon Club, the duathlon sees people take on a 3km run in the Castle Park, then head out on the roads to complete a 20km cycle, before returning to the Park for another 3km run to the finish line in front of the Castle.

A popular event on the Triathlon Ireland spring calendar, there has been plenty of work going on behind the scenes with KTC members working hard to deliver another top class event.

“The preparation really started at the end of 2024 then, as the weeks go on, it ramps up,” explained KTC’s Seamus Foley, the duathlon race director.

“We’re lucky that we can build on the experience of the people who have been involved in this event for many years, so we’re not starting with a blank canvas.

“You need that support network behind you,” he added. “We’re also fortunate to have experienced and enthusiastic club members to help marshal the event. They’ve always stepped up to the plate and have never left the club wanting.”

Duathlons are a good way to prepare for the triathlon season, which starts in the summer, but it also provides a solid introduction to the sport for newcomers. And Kilkenny’s event is known for being beginner-friendly.

“It’s a great duathlon to do,” said Foley. “If there’s anyone who’s thinking of getting into triathlon, this is a simple introduction to it.

“For locals it’s a great location, in the heart of the city, and with two short runs and a 20km cycle it’s a relatively short event.

With the run legs staged in the Park there’s usually lots of people around who are really encouraging, so it provides a real feel-good atmosphere. The duathlon is a great way to introduce newcomers to the sport while for others, people who may be aiming for the triathlon season, it’s a good way to get preparation work done.”

In recent years the triathlon club has run a Couch to Duathlon programme designed to give people a chance to train and prepare for their first such event. It has been a big success in the county, with many completing the course before going on to become regulars at events across the country.

“It’s great to see big numbers at Couch to Duathlon training,” said Foley, who has been involved in triathlon since 2013. “The key is they enjoy the training and get a grá for the sport and that they want to do more events.

“Who knows,” he added. “It could be the start of a whole new hobby for you!”

The Kilkenny Duathlon will be held on Sunday, April 6 and starts in the grounds of the Castle Park at 11am. For more information, or to enter the event go to kilkennytriathlonclub.com