Westport hosts major triathlon

ALL SET?Pictured at the launch of Westport Sprint Triathlon 2015, fixed for June 6, were: John Doherty (Baxter Healthcare), Seamus Moran (Mayo Cancer Support Association), Bernadine McGlade (Baxter Healthcare), Hugh Radmall (Baxter), Tommie Loughran (Westport Triathlon Club) and Bill Coyne (Westport Triathlon Club).

Westport hosts major triathlon


THERE’S just a few weeks to go before Westport Triathlon Club’s biggest ever event – the Sprint Triathlon on June 6, which has been designated as a Triathlon Ireland National Series event. Top triathletes from all over Connacht (and indeed the country) will descend on the town, ensuring a very exciting race. The event is also suitable for first-time triathletes and improvers, as it is a very approachable course.
“Getting National Series designation from Triathlon Ireland is a huge coup and a vote of confidence in Westport Triathlon Club,” said club chairman Tommie Loughran. “It shows that we’ve been running a really successful race for years, and gives us a chance to showcase our fantastic course to hundreds of competitors, many of whom will never have been here before. They’ll also make a contribution to the local economy as many will stay for the weekend, bringing families with them.”
As with all triathlons, the event is a combination of a swim, a cycle and a run. The 750m swim is in a very sheltered area at the Quay in Westport close to The Towers. The cycle is 20k long and is very flat – it goes out the coast road, turning around at Bertra and ending back at The Quay. The final component is a 5k run around the grounds of Westport House. For those new to the sport, Westport is a perfect first triathlon due to its very safe and flat course.
Westport Triathlon Club punches well above its weight, boasting two outstanding young triathletes who compete very successfully at international level – Con Doherty and Aichlinn O’Reilly. The core of the club are regular members who compete at all sorts of different levels – some are regular podium finishers, others just enjoy the satisfaction of completing a race and all the mental and physical benefits that getting out and getting active brings. All abilities are welcome and if you have always thought about giving triathlon a go, this may be your ideal opportunity to start.
Westport Triathlon is proud to announce the support of Baxter Healthcare in conjunction with their ‘Be Well’ initiative, which promotes an inter-company triathlon challenge for companies across Connacht. This is open to all companies, groups or organisations who want to be part of what promises to be a great event while promoting a healthier workforce.
Because of its multi-sport format– swimming, cycling and running, coupled with aerobic fitness requirements (good cardiovascular conditioning) – triathlon is an excellent way to get fit and stay healthy while having fun. As illness prevention and health awareness are becoming bigger factors in day-to-day life, it is globally recognised that an active life style benefits the body and mind long term.
Businesses are becoming ever more aware of the importance of work-life balance, and progressive organisations, who understand the benefits of having an active and healthy work force, run structured programmes to promote active living. In the spirit of such programmes Westport Triathlon Club, in conjunction with Baxter – who run a world-class ‘Be Well at Work’ programme – have created a Connacht Inter-Company Triathlon Challenge Relay. 
The ‘Wellness in the Workplace Challenge’ encourages  people to participate as a team member in one of the sports disciplines, representing their organisation. All activity groups, work groups, organisations and companies are welcome to enter. The objective is to encourage active participation in an event that caters for all levels of fitness while facilitating peer comparison to aid future improvement. Recognising that prevention is not an option in the lives of some people, proceeds from this event will be donated to Mayo Cancer Support Association.
If you’d like to take part in Westport Sprint Triathlon, please see entry details on the website  www.westporttriclub.ie or their Facebook page.