Local triathlon club is set to mark milestone

A NORTHSIDE sports club will mark its 10th anniverary by taking part in a big event next month.

Members of Fingal Triathlon Club are looking forward to competing in the annual Skerries Triathlon on August 11. 

It involves a 750m sea swim, a 20k bike around Fingal and a 5k run along the seafront. The event is ideal for those new to the sport as the bike and run elements are relatively flat. For those who may not fancy a run, there is an Aquabike, which comprises a sea swim and bike course, excluding the run element.

Fingal Triathlon Club chairperson Olga Meade said: “This is one of the friendliest races in the country, with helpful marshals who will support the participants every step of the way. 

“Triathlon is a fantastic way to try something different and challenge yourself. Fingal Triathlon Cub is full of people with lots of positive and uplifting stories. We’d love to share that positivity and experience and see new members giving it a ‘Tri’.”

More information, as well as the link to an entry, is available at: https://www.triathlonireland.com/Events/Race-Calendar/ Also, for more information on the club, visit www.fingaltri.ie

Fingal Triathlon Club was established in 2009 when a group of like-minded individuals came together to form a club in north county Dublin. 

Triathlon is a multi-discipline sport that includes swimming, cycling and running in that order in one event.   

The club started out from humble beginnings with committee meetings taking place around founding members’ kitchen tables. Here, the idea of forming an inclusive and welcoming club, catering from the complete novice to the elite long-distance athlete, was brought to life. 

The newly formed committee sought the help of experienced and supportive coaches. The triathlon season typically starts in late April and continues until mid-October. 

Club members train throughout the autumn and winter, with many preparing for their first races the following season.

Strong friendships have developed and formed over training sessions, races and social evenings that are organised throughout the year, according to Ms Meade. 

“Support, encouragement and friendship is at the heart of our club ethos,” she said.

“It is so rewarding to see people who thought what was impossible to them achieve their goal. The look of satisfaction and amazement on members’ faces when they cross the finish line is a joy to see.”

The club, which has over 100 members of different ages and backgrounds, also caters for the next generation of athletes through its junior coaching programme. Training sessions are available for all, from the budding novice to the Ironman or woman. 

Sessions take place in different areas of Fingal and include running in Lusk, swimming in Santry and Blanchardstown, and cycling spins which depart from Turvey, Donabate on a Saturday morning. 

Many club members also travel abroad to take part in training camps and races every year.