Competitive races at Duathlon event in Mayo town

A Duathlon in a West Mayo town took place recently.

There was a strong turnout and a competitive edge on display in Westport as athletes took to the roads for the 2026 Westport Duathlon, delivering a morning of fast racing and tight finishes.

In the men’s race, it was Dean Gillespie of Liquid Motion TC who emerged victorious in a thrilling contest at the front of the field. Gillespie crossed the line in 56:31, holding off a late charge from Sean McLoughlin by just two seconds.

McLoughlin, who set the fastest first run of the day with an impressive 12:54, clocked 56:33 overall. His strong 7:57 final run split almost closed the gap, but Gillespie’s consistency across all three disciplines proved decisive. Completing the men’s podium was Ciaráin Kilcullen in 57:20.

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The women’s race was equally competitive, with Martina McIntyre producing a commanding performance to take the win in 1:08:13.women’s field. Ciara Brady claimed second place in 1:09:53, impressing in particular on the bike with a 42:29. Lea Bertrand of Galway Triathlon Club secured third in 1:10:41 to round out the podium. The Westport Duathlon once again highlighted the depth of endurance talent across Mayo and further afield.

The race marks the opening event in a four-part Mayo Duathlon Series. The next round takes place on March 7 at Knockma, hosted by Tri Lakes Triathlon Club, followed by Castlebar Tri Club on March 22nd and Liquid Motion in Ballina on March 29.

Duathlon continues to grow in popularity, offering something for everyone. At Westport, AbbVie fielded seven teams in the relay format, where one athlete completes the run sections and a teammate takes on the bike leg. The event proved spectator-friendly at Westport Skatepark, with a welcoming atmosphere and refreshments served afterwards.

Conditions were favourable throughout, although competitors faced a testing breeze on the bike course. The organisers acknowledged the valued support of local sponsors SuperValu Westport, Call of the Wild, the Wyatt Hotel and Elverys.

The event was hosted by Westport Triathlon Club, with a strong turnout of marshals from Westport Covey Wheelers and Westport Athletics Club, reflecting the community spirit that underpins local sport.

It represents an encouraging start to the season for Westport, which will also host the Westport Triathlon on August 13. That event will feature both a Super Sprint and an Olympic distance race, with the Olympic distance forming part of the National Series and expected to attract leading athletes from across the country — while the shorter Super Sprint ensures there is an option for athletes of all abilities.

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