Race #1 Report Go to the profile of Gavin McLaughlin Gavin McLaughlin Feb 27
Siobhan Greer, Kathleen Byrne and Allsun Kelly pictured at Sunday’s Setanta Duathlon Series
A large field provided great racing in the Sportsman Duathlon Series, hosted by Setanta Triathlon Club in Ravensdale last Sunday.
The weather forecast promised a dry, bright day but as competitors arrived, the last of the overnight rain was just clearing on a cool, misty morning. Thankfully the road conditions were dry before the 10 am start.
The Setanta Duathlon comprises a 3.2km run, an 18km cycle and a repeat of the 3.2km run. This three-race series is ideal for athletes who want to try a new sport and lots of first timers took part in Sunday’s event, helped throughout by the encouragement and guidance of the experienced management team and marshals.
Local clubs Cuchulainn CC, North East Runners, Newry, Muckno and Drogheda Triathlon Club were well represented, as well as competitors from all over Ireland, such is the popularity of this race for those looking for some early season competition.
John Whelan (10:39), Paul Carroll (10:57) and Finbar McGrady (11:01) built up an early lead in the men’s race, entering T1 in that order respectively, followed closely by Jordan Johnston, Gareth Moran and Setanta’s Paul Savage. Ellen Vitting led the ladies into T1 with a 50-second lead, followed by Siobhan Gallagher and Eithne McGorman.
Whelan, McGrady and Carroll were joined in the fight for the men’s podium by Newry Tri Club’s Peter McConville and it was these four who posted the fastest bike splits. At the end of the second run, Carroll held on for first place to finish in a fantastic time of 49:31 minutes with Finbar McGrady second and John Whelan third. Peter McConville finished fourth and Gareth Moran in fifth.
Cuchulainn CC’s Ray O’Shaughnessy finished in sixth position, closely followed by Setanta’s Paul savage in seventh. A large group of Setanta club members finished well up the field including Shane McCoy, Mick Melia, Gerry Kenny, Mattias Lindholm and Audrius Gaudutis.
In the ladies’ race, Ellen Vitting led from start to finish in a time of 56:44 minutes with Siobhan Gallagher second and Eithne McGorman third. Allsun Kelly led home the local ladies, followed by Siobhan Greer and Kathleen Byrne.
Race Two of the series takes place on Sunday, March 24th with the third race set for Sunday, April 7th, both starting at 10 am. Setanta welcomes anybody who would like to try out their duathlon races. The basic requirement is a bike, helmet and running shoes.
Anyone with questions can contact the club’s Facebook page while the entry link for the races is below.
