Mayo Triathlon to attract many keen competitors next month

Westport Triathlon club is set to welcome close to 350 athletes to Westport quay on Saturday August 15 for its National Series Olympic distance triathlon and a super sprint distance triathlon .

Westport Sprint Triathlon will showcase all that is wonderful about Westport environs and will see some of the best athletes in the country including many from Westport and the local area take part in the one of the leading National Series Olympic triathlons. Individual athletes and relay teams will take on a 1,500m swim at the quay, a 40k cycle which will take competitors out and back towards Louisburgh along the coast road and a 10k run on the greenway with a finish at Westport Quay.

For those curious about triathlon or those who are new to the sport the club will also host a shorter Super Sprint Triathlon which will have a 300m swim with a 20km bike to Murrisk and back and a 5km run on the greenway .

With the iconic backdrop of Croagh Patrick for the triathlon this event has a long history and become one of the largest club events in the country which attracts nearly half of its competitors from outside of Mayo with most staying for the weekend. This year Westport has been awarded “National Series” status with Triathlon Ireland and is part of the national series of races making up the race for the national titles.

The Olympic event will attract the top Irish triathletes but also has a reputation as being a novice friendly triathlon due to the sheltered nature of the swim and bike and the spectator friendly course. Westport Triathlon also hosts a relay section to the event where three team members take on each discipline. The relay option has been hugely popular over the years as it is an opportunity to take part and share the experience with a friend, family member or work colleague. Local businesses have also embraced the relay as an opportunity for team building and bragging rights!

The event activities will start at the quay on Saturday August 15th from 7:30am with swimmers in the sea for 8:30am, Westport Triathlon club are hoping that local drivers could use the west road to approach town or Quay hill for entry to the quay area. Please note that cyclists will be racing on the Westport–Murrisk–Louisburgh roads between 9:00am and 12:00 noon on Saturday, August 15 as part of the Westport Triathlon.

Road users are kindly asked to exercise extra care, follow the directions of event marshals, and show consideration for the athletes as they take on the challenge of completing the Westport Triathlon. Your patience and support are greatly appreciated and will help ensure a safe and successful event for everyone.

Race Director Paula Ryder has said “Westport Triathlon has established itself as one of the best races in the country as it’s a community event, it’s a non commercial event run by the club and its success is down to the wonderful support we have in the community We greatly appreciate the support of Mayo Mental Health Association as our charity partner for the second year”.

She also added that the success for the event to date has only been possible with the continued cooperation of the businesses at the quay and support and from the team in Mayo county council.

Westport Triathlon Club welcomes everyone, from those taking their very first steps into the sport to experienced triathletes. With members ranging in age from 18 to 80, the club provides a friendly, supportive environment where people of all abilities can train, learn and enjoy triathlon together. The club hosts weekly training sessions year round with swimming taking place in the sea or lakes during summer months or Westport leisure park during the winter. The club is focused on the social aspects of triathlon and current membership is booming with nearly half the membership made up of new members to the club over the last couple of years.

If you’re looking for a challenge of the summer please check out the details of the event at https://www.westporttriathlon.ie/. Follow Westport Triathlon on Facebook and Instagram.