Write a commentAlmost 300 athletes have entered next Sunday’s 31st August Firmus Energy Newry City Triathlon.
The event promises to be a huge sporting affair and is scheduled to start at 2pm at the Albert Basin in front of the Quays Shopping Centre.
The distances for the Triathlon are a 750-metres swim in the Newry Canal, at the Albert Basin, followed by a 20-Kilometres Cycle to and from Warrenpoint and the race will finish with a three-lap 5k run around the City.
The Triathlon is just one of many sporting activities that will take place on Sunday 31st August. The Newry City Water Festival will commence at 10am. Activities will include kayaking, canoeing, Currach Boats and water-boat rides, Children participating in any of these water-based activities must be able to swim a minimum distance of 50-metres. There will also be the eagerly anticipated Iron Kids Duathlon which will cater for various age-groups. This event will begin at 12.15pm and will incorporate a short run, Cycle Ride and a further run. The Competitors must wear safety helmets during this Event.
Participating Children will require Parental consent and parents will be required to accompany the young Iron Kids at the event.
Newry and Mourne Council Mayor, Councillor Daire Hughes will take part in the Iron Kids race in a competitive spirit.
One of the Highlights of the Morning will also be the Chip and Dip where the Children will be brought out to the floating Pontoon on the Canal, with Dessie McMahon, of Pat’s Chippy, providing complimentary hot food and soft drinks.
Other sponsors include, O’Brien’s Sandwiches, The Quays. They will be supplying food and refreshments to the triathletes and Sainbury’s, also from the Quays, have provided water and juice for both Events.
The Brass Monkey will host the post triathlon celebrations.
Race Director Paddy Duffy, the Newry and Mourne Events Officer, stated “The Council have put an amazing amount of work into organising these Events and I have high hopes that the Newry City Triathlon will become one of the top Triathlons in Ireland . I would like to thank Firmus Energy who are the Principal Sponsor and hope that with the success of the event, Firmus will stay on board in future years.
I would also like to thank the other Agencies and Companies for their help in staging this high profile series of events, particularly the Newry Triathlon Club, East Coast Adventure, the Department of Social Development and Neighbourhood Renewal – who have funded the water-based activities. Members of Newry Shamrocks G.F.C. will act as marshalls on the day and members of Newry Fire Brigade will be on hand to ensure all the Athletes can avail of a Shower after the Race.
Furthermore I would like to thank Gerry Coyle and his hard-working Quayside Close / Dromalane Community Association for all their help and assistance,”
Paddy Duffy also advised, there would be some traffic Diversions in place in the city to ensure the safe running of the triathlon and he asks motorists to exercise patience.
It should be a very memorable day for all the competitors and no doubt the Event will attract a lot of Spectators to cheer on the Athletes in their Quest to complete this popular Triathlon.
