Write a commentThe countdown is on to Newry City Council’s showcase event, the Festival of Water, on Sunday 31st August, which will finish with a real splash - the firmus energy Newry City Triathlon! And don’t worry if you have been treading water as there is still time to ‘dive in’ and sign up for the Triathlon.
Angeline Murphy, Firmus Energy main sponsor of the event and Paddy Duffy, Events Officer, Newry and Mourne District Council commented: “There are still spaces available to get involved in this great challenge, either as an individual entry or as a team entry. They continued ‘A Triathlon is a real test of endurance but the sense of achievement upon completing the course is just great.’
“Enthusiasm for the sport is at its peak around the area in the lead up to this event, especially after the recent successful Top of the Mournes Triathlon and we hope that many of the participants from this race will be keen to get involved in the Newry City Triathlon. If people don’t feel up to taking on the whole course, there is the option of putting together a relay team, a great compromise that makes sure participants who know their own limitations do not push themselves beyond this.
“The Triathlon begins with a 750-metre swim starting from the Albert Basin. Wetsuits are obligatory and this is an exciting element of our course as it is not every day that people get to swim in the Canal. Event organisers are holding practice swims every Thursday until the event to enable people to get in some practice and become accustomed to the ebb and flow of the water. Following the swim, wetsuits will be swapped for cycling helmets as participants race 20-kilotmetres on our even, level course taking in the Warrenpoint Road. The final aspect of the Triathlon is pounding the pavements in a five-kilometre route taking in the key landmarks around the City.
“This course offers participants and those taking part the very best as the flat landscape will make for dramatic speeds and the audience will have excellent vantage points throughout the City to cheer on their friends and family taking part.”
Participants can register to take part in the firmus energy Newry City Triathlon for only £20 which is a low cost entry fee with many Triathlons costing at least twice this. As well as securing a coveted place in the Triathlon, the £20 also includes a branded T-shirt and swimming cap, mementos of involvement in the event, as well as sandwiches and a drink post-race.
Angeline continued: “We are delighted to be supporting the Triathlon. We supply natural gas to homes and businesses in and around Newry and the Festival of Water, which includes the Triathlon, really does offer something for everyone!
“We have more than 1000 customers in and around the City and we are excited to be involved in this Council event for everyone in Newry. This innovative event is bringing sports such as swimming, cycling and running, to an even wider audience, as well as showcasing Newry as leaders in sporting excellence.
Mayor Daire Hughes concluded by saying “ I am particularly looking forward to the event and am very interested in the challenge that is set for the Iron Kid event, which is a dualthon type of event involving a run, cycle and run”
“Festival events will be taking place throughout the day including face painting, bouncy castles, a climbing wall, banana rides on the Canal and jet-ski and canoe races. It will be a vibrant, colourful spectacle, showcasing a unique mix of cultural and family events.”
Further information on the Festival and Triathlon, as well as registration details, can be found at www.firmusenergynewrycitytriathlon.com Each participant will receive a specially designed bespoke medal and air-tech T Shirt. There will be cash prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd Male/Female overall.
There will also be a prize for the individual winner of each respective age group details as follows: 16-19; 21-24; 25-29; 30-34; 35-39; 40-44; 45-49; 50-54; 55-59; 60-64 and 65-70.
Each individual prize winners will receive a trophy and free entry into the 2015 Newry City Triathlon.
