The Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring TD, recently launched the new website of the Kilmore Triathlon Club. The Minister also launched this year’s Blacksod Point Challenge race, which will take place next September. Speaking at the launch, which took place in the Broadhaven Bay Hotel, Belmullet, Minister Ring noted that “the race is a wonderful event for the region and showcases everything that’s good about Erris”. He went on to say, “I have no doubt that the race will be a very successful event and will only go from strength to strength”.
Former Race Director, Jason Mangan, opened the launch as Gaeilge and said that, without the help of the local community and the support of local businesses, the triathlon would not be the success that it is today. The Chairman of Kilmore Triathlon Club, Alan Concannon, said, “The new website is fantastic and will be instrumental in promoting the area, developing the club and expanding the race.”
The club is expecting over 300 participants to take on the challenging course this September. The new Race Director, Thomas Geoghegan, explained that the course is a real test of endurance, pushing athletes to their limits. He added, “Even though the race has become known as one of Ireland’s toughest triathlons, the spectacular views of the magical and mythical Erris peninsula – and the friendliness of locals – has attracted hundreds of competitors every year.”
Rina Garrett from Erris Beo praised the efforts of the club committee. She said, “The Blacksod Point Challenge has proven to be a massive boost to the local economy since its inception in 2008. Families and friends of the competitors all travel to the region for the entire weekend, with the race status now recognised nationally and internationally“.
The Blacksod Point Challenge Triathlon will take place on Saturday, September 21. It is a National Series Race (sanctioned by Triathlon Ireland), starting with a 1,500m swim in the Atlantic Ocean, followed by a fast 43km bike ride, and an amazing 10km all-terrain run across the sand dunes of Fál Mór.
If you are interested in joining the club or entering the race, check out the new website – www.kilmoretriathlonclub.com – or find out more by emailing info@kilmoretriathlonclub.com or by calling 086 3636327.