Claremorris hosted one of the biggest held duathlons in the west, with nearly 400 taking part, it was also round one of the Bridge Signs Ireland West Duathlon series.
Westport’s Anthony Murray made it two wins in a row at the Land of the Giants Duathlon winning in a course record time of 52:39 minutes for the 5.5k run, 18k cycle, and 2k run event, this year he was made work all the way to the line as John Greaney of Team Hurt Locker Galway put in a lightning fast final run to come home only 15 seconds back. These two had nearly three minutes on Gerald Troy from Ennis Tri club with Michael Flanagan from Tuam AC a further 90 seconds back in fourth place. Both Murray and Greaney coach their own respective teams and the rivalry is bound to continue at round two of the series at Knockma, Caherlistrane, on January 28.
In the ladies' section Ballina sensation Lorraine Carey kept up consistent form by winning comfortably in 58:35, nearly six minutes ahead of the next woman home Jean O'Connor from Trisport Spiddal, and the evergreen Mary Daly of Westport but a native of Hollymount coming home in third.
With nearly 40 per cent of the field over 40 years of age, the category prizes have become extremely hard to win, the winner of the O40 male prize was in sixth overall, Killian Dooley from Galway. In the ladies' Martina McIntyre of team Hurt Locker won her Over 40 category.
The main sponsor of the event was Dixon & Dever project development services Ltd. Support sponsors for the event were The Mc William Park Hotel, Flynn’s Pharmacy, Colette Jordan Associates Architectural, Engineering, and Energy Consulting, and SuperValu. Claremorris Leisure Centre provided the showers for participants.
This event would not take place without the brilliant support from the Claremorris Chamber of Commerce, McMahon Park committee, Mayo County Council, Claremorris Men’s Shed group, Mayo Road Safety, St Coleman's College students, and The Red Cross, the event results were compiled by Core Timing.
Proceeds from the event will support the following; St Coleman's College astro turf pitch, Claremorris Men's Shed group, and McMahon Park.
