It was another busy week for Letterkenny 24/7 Triathlon Club as Four of their club members took on Ireland’s toughest endurance competition at the weekend.
The Race
Terence Diver, Fin Begley, Martin Donnelly and Barry Foley took to the start line at Gartan Adventure Centre at 5am on Saturday Morning, 250km of racing ahead of them through the rugged hills of Donegal.
The first leg of the race was a 23km run to Ramelton. From here competitors kayaked 15km before taking on the challenging 96km cycle of Knockalla, Atlantic Drive, Glen to arrive at Muckish Mountain for the 5km mountain run.
It was back on the bike after Muckish for a 70km cycle through Bloody Foreland and back to Glenveagh Park to take on the final marathon leg of the race. 24/7 club mates were out in force cheering on their training buddies at every stage of the day.
Terence Diver, this year taking on the event solo, had a fantastic race. Terence crossed the finish line in a fantastic time of 17:25:24, 8th overall, looking extremely strong throughout.
Fin Begley put in a similar performance throughout the day. Finishing an amazing 4th female overall Fin crossed the finish line in a superb time of 18:54:21. Martin Donnelly also had a very strong performance throughout the day, crossing the finish line at Gartan to great applause after a grueling 19:16:56 of racing.
Barry Foley also opted for the solo challenge in 2019. Having competed in a team last year he got the taste for endurance events. Yet another amazing performance from 24/7 – Barry finished in a fantastic time of 19:44:32.
Naas Duathlon
Ben Carr was once again back in racing action on Sunday. He travelled to the Naas Duathlon where once again he had a superb performance.
He had a fantastic time of 56:43, which meant he was 2nd Junior on the day. Ben had brilliant splits of 9:59/33:26/12:01 on the day.
Agonizingly just 10seconds separated Ben from the junior winner Sabian Kulczynski.
This is the second time in a fortnight these two battled it out- two minutes separated the duo at the National Junior Duathlon Championships in Galway last weekend.
Milford AC MOWI Hugh Gallagher Memorial 5k
Three club members took on the Milford AC MOWI Hugh Gallagher Memorial 5k on Friday evening. Paddy McGee had a superb run, clocking 18:29.
Not to be outdone by his son Ben, Enda Carr is racking up the 5ks in the last few weeks as well- Enda had a strong run, crossing the line in 21:33. Rory Kennedy also ran very well, finishing in 22:46.
Spring/Summer Training Update
The longer evenings will soon be here and so with it will be the change to Club Training. The proposed date for the commencement of Brick/TT Sessions is Thursday 18th April.
The first session will be a brick session. The proposed date for the first open water session (weather dependent) is Monday 13th May. More information will follow in the coming weeks.
Try a Tri and Super Sprint Events- Sunday 28th April
As you aware the next club race on the calendar is the Try a Tri and Super Sprint. The demand for entries this year has went way beyond our expectations so if you are thinking of signing up please do so as soon as possible.
We have limited numbers due to pool time so please don’t be left disappointed.
It is also never too early to sign up to marshal so if you can help on the day please email club secretary Anne Robinson or race director Karol Harvey.
Club Training
Club training continues as follows:
Monday: Coached track session at Aura
Message from Coach Ciaran O’Donnell: Leaving reception at Aura at 6.30pm SHARP to complete 2km warm up, out past Ballymacool Park. Latecomers will know where to head to meet them if anyone running late. On track and warmed up for 6.50pm, with session getting underway as soon as!
Wednesday: Swim session- Novice 7-8pm, Intermediate/Advanced 8-9pm
Thursday: Long run session leaves Aura at 6.30pm sharp- Hi-Viz is compulsory for these sessions- Be safe, be seen!
Saturday: Club cycle from Aura at 9am – All members must have front and rear lights to take part in the club session.
Saturday: Club swim session Saturday at 6pm Additional lane added for 14-16yr old club members – MUST be accompanied by a parent (please note prepayment does not cover Saturday swim).
Full Results
The Race
Terence Diver 17:25:24 8th overall
Fin Begley 18:54:21 4th Female
Martin Donnelly 19:16:56
Barry Foley 19:44:32
Naas Duathlon
Ben Carr 56:43 2nd Junior
Milford AC MOWI Hugh Gallagher Memorial 5k
Paddy McGee 18:29
Enda Carr 21:33
Rory Kennedy 22:46
