Kilkenny businesses encouraged to show support as Triathlon comes to the Marble City

It’s been a hit with people all over the county and beyond - now local companies have been encouraged to dive in and sign up for the Kilkenny Triathlon!

The event, which comes back to the Marble City on Sunday, June 29, will see people take on a 750m swim in the River Nore, 20km cycle and 5km run which starts and finishes in the Castle Park.

And while the event is a great way for individuals to give the sport of triathlon a go - to entice newcomers the Kilkenny Triathlon also has a Try-a-Tri option which has a shortened 250m swim - the call has gone to local businesses to sign up for the relay option.

The Triathlon’s relay is a race option where teams of two or three people do a leg or two (swim, bike and run) to complete the race.

“The relay option is a great team building exercise,” said Caoimhe Foley, PRO for Kilkenny Triathlon Club.

“A big thing for companies is just getting out of the office and having fun with your work team - building those social connections in a different space. That has a positive effect within the workplace, as people have been out having a laugh together, making for better relationships and relations and productivity.

“This is also an ideal opportunity for a fun team building day,” she added. “With more and more people working from home it is so important to have team building days where work colleagues get together face-to-face.

“The team will have the opportunity to explore a new challenge together, build positive relationships with each other in an exciting and supportive environment.

“We all know good relationships foster better communication and a positive company or workplace culture. In a busy workplace where people perhaps meet online and follow work agendas, the Kilkenny Triathlon will be a challenging event for many but one that promises lots of smiles, laughs, praise and encouragement.

“It does offer bragging rights too,” she said with a smile, “but taking on the relay is a chance to get out there and try something new - it’s a great thing for people to do.

“Why not challenge your co-workers and friends to take part?” she added. “Who knows - we may have some eager open water swimmers or cyclists among us!”

The relay option is nothing new for the Kilkenny event, but calling on companies is a great way to increase awareness for the triathlon, while also encouraging people to come along and see what all the fuss is about.

“Even if people want to see what the day is all about, they should come down to the Castle Park on the day,” Caoimhe added.

“Come have a look - maybe you’ll do it next year. Even with the duathlon this year, the weather was so good that people came out as they were interested to see what was happening.”

Known for its beginner-friendly course, the Kilkenny Triathlon is a big hit with triathletes from across the South-East and beyond. With its base in the Castle Park, the race has plenty of spots for spectators to watch all the action and a base for people to greet friends and family as they cross the finish line and soak up the plaudits.

The race starts with a 750m swim in the River Nore (Try A Tri participants have a 250m swim) with swimmers leaving the water via the boat slip on the Canal Walk.

“Open water swimming is often considered the most challenging part of starting triathlon,” Caoimhe said. “The Try A Tri is an ideal way to dip your toes in!”

From there it’s a quick run to the Castle Park, where transition is set up. From here participants collect their bicycles and leave the Park via Switzer’s Gate. They will travel out the Waterford Road to Danesfort, coming back to the city via the Bennettsbridge Road.

From there it’s back to the Castle Park for a 5km run. The course leads people back out of the Park and along the Canal Walk before coming back in via the Castle Road to the finish line in front of the Castle.

With many of the KTC members volunteering as marshals on the day, there will be plenty of people around to help participants prepare for race time, as well as being able to offer course knowledge.

“It’s thanks to the members that we can run this race,” Foley added. “It’s a welcoming and inclusive club, so people may find a new home for themselves!”

Founded in 2011, the club has introduced local people of all ages and ability to the combined sports of swimming, cycling and running. Promoting a healthy lifestyle, KTC continues to provide the highest quality training and triathlon development for its members.

The Kilkenny Triathlon will be held on Sunday, June 29. An 18+ event, competitors must be aged 18 or over on race day to compete. All participants must have a Triathlon Ireland membership or one day licence to compete.

For more information or to sign up see kilkennytriathlonclub.com.