Over 1,000 athletes took up the challenge of the Westport Sea2Summit last Saturday. The Westport based competition has become on of the top adventure racing events in the country and Westport’s Anthony Murray was the first person home over the finishing line. Anthony finished in a time of 3:00.39 over the tough 56.5km course, which took in road running, cycling, a run up Croagh Patrick, sea dash and an obstacle course before finishing with a tough run to the finish line at The Mall in the town. Murray, who won the sprint competition last year, can now add the title of supreme champion for 2011.
This year’s sprint competition was won by another Westport native, Tom Gill, who finished in a time of 1:49.04. Among those who took part in the event were All-Ireland winning Westport footballers Stephen O’Neill, who finished in a time of 3:38.54, and Enda McGinley, who was a few minutes behind his team-mate in a time of 3:42.52.
Race director Paul O’Brien said after the event, “The 2011 Sea2Summit event has surpassed all of our expectations and thankfully has been a huge success for the second year in a row. The weather conditions were ideal, the athletes were up for the challenge and it was amazing to see supporters out in their droves to cheer on the participants. No doubt there will be a few aching muscles and blisters but there is a real sense of accomplishment amongst all competitors, from beginners to the more experienced adventure race athlete”.
Date set for Harlequin Adventure Duathlon
If you are still getting over last weekend’s Sea2Summit and are looking for your next challenge, then mark your diaries for Sunday March 24 2012, when the Harlequin Adventure Duathlon will take place. The Harlequin Adventure Duathlon, in association with the Harlequin Hotel in Castlebar, is organised by Sebastien Locteau from Sports Ireland. His experience in sports will guarantee another successful event. This will be Sebastian’s third year as race director. Next year’s duathlon promises to have a new exciting course and will focus on the adventure elements on the circuit. The adventure race will consists of two circuits, one 8km course for the Fit4Life participants, and for the more adventurous participants a 4km run starting from the Harlequin Hotel in Castlebar via Lough Lannagh village to St Patrick’s School on the Rathbawn road. Athletes will take their bikes and will cycle 7km on one of the hilliest routes out the Rathbawn road towards Glenisland. But this will only be the start of their adventure; they will then leave their bikes to attempt to run up a 4km mountain to the Castlebar Mast on a scenic but technical trail. The athletes will come back to get their bikes and will cycle 15k towards Glenisland and then back to Castlebar via Newport/ Castlebar Road. They will finish with a 3km run via Lough Lannagh to the finish line at The Harlequin Hotel. There are prizes for all categories. Fit for Life entry costs €10 and an early bird fee €45.00 for the full course is also available. Registration on [email protected]
