MAKING A SPLASH
Kelly and Tara O’Neill at the Harbourman Triathlon in Wicklow town on Sunday. Organised by Wicklow Triathlon Club, the event attracted over 200 competitors.
SUNDAY’S warm weather didn’t deter over 240 participants from taking part in the Harbourman Triathlon, consisting of a 1,500m swim, a 40km cycle and a 10km run.
At first there were fears the swim section would have to moved outside of Wicklow Harbour because of an oil spill. However, tidal movements resolved the problem and a swimming prohibition notice was lifted in time for Sunday.
The swim consisted of two 750m laps of Wicklow Harbour as a huge crowd gathered to cheer everyone on.
The 40km cycle started on the Port Road and headed toward Rathnew before directing toward the Beehive. Cyclists then followed the old N11 road south, finishing around a kilometre beyond Jack white’s Inn.
Competitors then embarked on the 10km run, heading out to the Port Road for 2km before turning the way they came. Having gone past the Leitrim Lounge, the next destination was over the bridge onto the South Quay. This was the first of two laps of Wicklow town.
The run proceeded to take in the lighthouse at the end of Wicklow Harbour and the Black Castle.
From there competitors ran down Quarantine Hill and back onto the South Quays as far as the junction with Bridge Street, heading toward the eventual finishing area.
The different male Harbourman winners were Paul McAllister, Ian Farrell, Daragh Lynch, Garry McCarthy and Garry Crossan.
The female winners were Tamara Maxantova, Marie-Triona Keane, Jennifer O’Connell and Benvon Lyons.
Wicklow Triathlon Club were praised for the highly efficient way they organised everything, including the helpful stewards who guided, directed and encouraged the competitors as they passed along the event’s route. Local Gardai also assisted to ensure the race ran as smoothly as was possible. It was only the second year for the Harbourman but is already proving quite the draw.