This week a bunch of beautiful Irish Roses including the Westmeath Rose gathered together to explain “It’s as easy as one, two, three” to take part in the 2011 Waterways Ireland triAthlone. The eight Roses from all over Ireland bunched together to kick off the official countdown to Ireland’s biggest annual triathlon event which takes place next Saturday July 2 in Athlone.
The eight Roses from Westmeath, Leitrim, Mayo, Limerick, Waterford, Kildare, and the UK are taking part in this year’s 2011 Waterways Ireland triAthlone as part of the relay event to raise awareness and funds for Breast Cancer Ireland. The Roses are joined by Lt Oisin McGrath from the Defence Forces triathlon team, ahead of representing Ireland at the World Military Games in Brazil this July. The race continues its long-standing relationship with the Defence Forces, with Custume Barracks continuing its role as hub for event registration and transition.
Waterways Ireland triAthlone has an event for participants at all ability levels. To grow the fun and charity side of the triathlon this year, organisers have added relay team events for each of the three race distances: try-a-tri, sprint, and Olympic distance. Teams can consist of either two or three members splitting the disciplines of swim, bike, and run between them.
The 2011 event already has over 2,000 competitors taking part, and with very limited places remaining to be filled organisers are advising anyone interested in taking part to log on to www.triathlone.ie to be sure to book their place.
Speaking at the event, Liam Heavin, Waterways Ireland triAthlone chairman said; “We are thrilled to be encouraging new people to take the plunge and take part this year through our relay challenge. The year on year growth we have seen with this event is outstanding and we hope it continues. It’s fantastic to have the support of Waterways Ireland who have made a massive contribution that has been critical to the success of the event.”
Ireland’s Olympic triathlon hopeful and well known triathlete Gavin Nobel is delighted to be taking part and be in with a chance to compete for silverware in the event, after a successful 2011 campaign to date, putting him seriously in the running to qualify for London’s 2012 Games.
The race will begin with a swim in the River Shannon, from which the competitors will then take to their bikes for a cycle through south county Roscommon before the exciting town centre run which will see the event finish in the heart of Athlone.
The event is running in tandem with Athlone Town Council’s Summerfest which will offer entertainment and activities for the whole family throughout the weekend.
For more information log on to www.triathlone.ie and www.athlone.ie
