The Days Duathlon race was a big success for Castlebar, good field, lovely weather, and a tough course were all the ingredients that served up an event that many will want to participate in in the years to come. As expected the run up to the Glenisland booster station proved to be decisive as hot favourite Rory Geraghty from Galway tri club turned on the gas to open a big lead by the top of the 1,450 feet climb, his time of 22min 24sec for the 4k up hill run is an unbelievable bench mark to try to beat. Geraghty set all the fastest splits along the way but it was young Constaine Doherty from Westport who showed the real talent, at only 14 years of age he pushed Dublin’s experienced tri-athlete Neil Bolger all the way to the line and just missed out on second place, his result of third overall was a real surprise and he looks like a real champion for the future.
Westport cyclists performed very well, in the ladies’ race Derval Devaney from Westport was a clear winner in a time of 1hr 56 with Colette Hennigan from Sligo second and Aileen Mc Namara from Athenry in third place. Rebecca Conway also from Westport won the junior ladies’ section and Noel Brady Covey Wheelers finished a very creditable fifth overall and took the veterans’ prize.
The organisers would like to thank the sponsors the Harlequin Hotel (formerly Days Hotel ), Marrey Bikes Ballinrobe, and Seb Fitness Athenry for supporting the event.
An event of this nature could not be organised without the help and support of volunteers, especially the Civil Defence and gardaí who made sure all the participants got around the course safely. Western Lakes , Westport cycling club, and Westport swimming club all provided volunteers on the day.
