Record numbers at Mullaghmore
MORE THAN 400 COMPETITORS TAKE ON MULLAGHMORE TRI
RECORD numbers took on the Mullaghmore Triathlon on Saturday with 356 adults and more than 50 children competing.
Organisers said they were delighted with the event overall, with hundreds of spectators also lining the route cheering on family and friends taking part.
Liz Morrow, PRO of the MSC Triathlon Club, said it was a fantastic day.
“Weather conditions were perfect for the race with a stiff southerly breeze presenting a challenge to competitors on the first half of the bike leg.
“Hot sunshine was interrupted occasionally by a welcome cloud to cool the athletes as the scaled the hills around Mullaghmore Head.
“The total number of competitors for the day in the adult events were 356 while 50 children competed in the Junior Aquathlon.
“First across the line was Bernard McCullough from Omagh in a super time of 1: 02: 49, followed by Gary Higgins in second with our own Msc Tri Club Man, Gareth Gallagher from Garrison completing the podium for third.
“In the ladies race, Sasha Gannon of Cavan Tri took top spot with Kate Fitzpatrick from Sligo Triathlon Club in second followed by Ellie McArdle of the Armagh Pikekickers in third.
“A number of relay teams from the National Ambulance Service competed in the race as well as a 14 staff and MD, Seamus Farrell, from SF Engineering in Grange.”
She said there were large numbers taking on the Junior Aquathlon too too.
“There were 50 children who competed in the Junior Aquathlon.
“The winners were as follows: 8- 9 girls - Aisha Gannon, 8- 9 boys - William Moore, 10- 11 Girls - Cara O’Loughlin, 10- 11 Boys - Charlie Gannon, 12- 13 Girls - Charlotte Moore, 12- 13 Boys - Aengus Flanagan, 14- 15 Girls - Hannah Gilmartin and the 14- 15 Boys - Mouric McSharry.
“We’ve received some awesome feedback from competitors who really enjoyed the event, some swimming in open water for the first time ever,” Liz explained.
“The race was sponsored by Martin Reilly Motors and the Pier Head Hotel, Spa and Leisure Centre.
“Also on board were KBIGI, Offshore Watersports, who presented all age group winners with a custom made hoodie for the event, CARA Pharmacy who supplied each competitor with a goody bag laden with gifts, SF Engineering and Jayne Orr Foot Clinic who sponsored high quality silicone swim hats,” Liz added.