Write a commentOrganisers of the firmus energy Newry City Triathlon 2014 recently started a series of weekly practice swims in the Newry Canal to help participants prepare for this gruelling aspect of the Triathlon. Every Thursday evening those hoping to take part in the race will have the opportunity to acclimatise themselves to swimming in open-water.
This is all in preparation for the upcoming firmus energy triathlon which will take place on Sunday the 31 August. It is expected that more than 500 people from across UK, Ireland and further afield, will line up to take part in the challenge which will comprise of a 750m open water swim in Newry Canal, followed by a 20km closed road cycle, culminating in a 5km flat run that takes in key attractions around the City.
Angeline Sloan from firmus energy, lead sponsor of the Triathlon, commented: “We are delighted to support this event helping to ‘power local talent’. Each discipline of a Triathlon has its own challenges but certainly swimming in waters which are new to you can be particularly difficult and this is the one aspect of triathlon that manycompetitors are most apprehensive about. These practice sessions will give participants the advantage of getting used to the temperature and current of the Canal in advance of the event.
“Sunday 31 August will be the culmination of lots of hard work and training for those taking part in the Triathlon who have pounded the pavements, cycled the streets and donned their wetsuits and goggles in preparation for this day. It is also a key event in the city’s calendar and part of Newry’s Festival of Water which is sure to be a day of great celebration.”
Paddy Duffy from Newry and Mourne District Council, commented: “This is the second year running that the City has hosted an exciting Festival of Water with a Triathlon following the fun. We are looking forward to welcoming hundreds of people to the City. I the morning of the 31 August, community groups will be taking part in a variety of activities including time-trialled canoe and kayak races. There will also be the opportunity for people to have a go on rib boat rides up and down the canal and there will be a 35ft climbing wall on the Quay to challenge those with a head for heights.”
Angeline added: “firmus energy was recently involved in the successful City of Derry Triathlon and we are looking forward to another great sporting event here! Triathlons are a fun way of bringing swimming, cycling and running to new audiences as well as showcasing the best that a City has to offer.
“The good news is that there is still a chance to take part in the Triathlon. The practice swims will take place every Thursday from 7pm with those taking part meeting at the Albert Basin. There are some places still available so snap them up while you can! To register for the Triathlon, visit www.firmusenergynewrycitytriathlon.com.”
