Kilkenny’s local economy and sports community are expected to get a big boost from the launch of the city’s first open water triathlon.
The Taxback.com Kilkenny Triathlon is on Saturday July 24 and race organisers are expecting 500 participants – with 100 early bird places already snapped up.
Race organiser Lorraine Murphy, originally from Kilkenny, said the triathlon would be a great opportunity to show off the city’s historic beauty and attract thousands of visitors to the event annually.
“Having attended races around the country and abroad for a number of years we realised that Kilkenny’s geographical location and historic setting made it ideally suited to an open water triathlon,” Ms Murphy said. “We’ve seen the enormous positive impact triathlon events in Athy and Athlone have had on those towns and we see this as an opportunity to boost the local economy and promote a positive image of the city.
Mayor Malcolm Noonan said the triathlon would be a wonderful event for Kilkenny.
“It’s a good fit with all that we are trying to promote here and it has huge potential for leisure tourism in the city and county. It promotes fitness and healthy lifestyles and I warmly welcome this event to our beautiful city.”
Kilkenny-based tax refund company taxback.com is the title sponsor of the triathlon.
“Kilkenny is a great place and this type of sports event is an ideal showcase for the city,” Taxback.com CEO Terry Clune said.
Triathlon competitors will swim through the heart of the city along the River Nore, followed by a cycle taking place in Bennettsbridge, and finish with a run around the grounds of Kilkenny Castle Park. The finish line will be located on the newly refurbished Parade Plaza and the course is designed to maximise viewing opportunities for spectators.
There will be both sprint and Olympic distance events open to individuals and relay teams of all abilities. Race registration will be at Kilkenny Castle’s Parade Tower.
Ms Murphy said that logistically, holding a triathlon was a big undertaking and organisers were hoping to recruit as many volunteers as possible to assist on the day.
“If anyone is interested in helping out or if they would like to participate – we’d love people to contact us on trikilkenny@gmail.com.”
For more information on the Taxback.com Kilkenny Triathlon or to register visit www.trikilkenny.com
