The 2015 duathlon season kicks off with a bang in Ballinrobe tomorrow, Saturday February 7. This fast and flat run bike event attracts all abilities, and with the whole country gone fitness mad with Operation Transformation and fit for life groups, Ballinrobe is the place to be tomorrow.
The annual Ballinrobe Duathlon, which is in its fifth year, aims to capitalise on this fitness enthusiasm by giving folk an achievable goal to reach. Thankfully Ballinrobe is not renowned for hills and this pan flat course is a great starter event for all abilities which is well within the reach to those new to fitness events.
This year it has a relay section and this category appeals to all levels as non runners/non cyclists can co-opt a team-mate to help them get around the course. Local cycling and running clubs are combining forces to form as many partnerships as possible so they get as many teams out competing against each other with the best holding the bragging rights. The elites always target Ballinrobe as it is a great early season tester, the short 3.5k run around the picturesque Bowers walk is an ideal distance to run flat out and test leg speed. The pan flat 18k cycle which takes in the villages of Robeen and Clongowla is perfect for those who like to test their ability against the watch on the bike. The beauty of this course is that it is very flat, with few corners so bike skill is not a necessity and is perfect for novices to try out this type of event. The event is chip timed with every participant getting a breakdown of his/her performance.
This Ballinrobe event is open to everyone, all you need is a desire to finish.
Registration and event information at www.raceface.ie or people can call in from 2pm Friday and again on Saturday morning from 8am to enter manually at Marrey Bikes, Watson Lane, Ballinrobe.
The race kicks off at 10am sharp, the action will all be based around Abbey Street as the start, transition, and finish are all there, expect to see the first athletes home by 10.50am such is the calibre of the competition.
Vaughan Shoes, Ballinrobe physiotherapy, Chrysalis Beauty salon, and Marrey bikes are the perfect sponsors for this event as all four companies specialise in supporting the outdoor enthusiast. The event is supported by Mayo County Council, Ballinrobe Men’s Shed Group, Western Lakes CC, Ballinrobe Tidy towns, the RSA, and Order of Malta. There will be a massive after party at Costelleo’s bar, Abbey Street, from 8pm, where race photos and video footage will be shown on the night. Everyone is invited so go along and enjoy the night.
