Over 2,500 triathletes from all over the world are currently in final preparations for the inaugural IRONMAN 70.3 Dublin, which takes place on Sunday 9th August. This major sporting event has a truly international flavour, with 1,500 Irish athletes taking part and 1,000 international athletes from 40 countries travelling to Dublin to compete in the gruelling competition.
In just 10 days, over 2,500 athletes will be tackling a 1.2 mile swim, followed by a 56 mile bike ride and then a 13.1 mile half-marathon all as one race. The swim takes place in Scotsman’s Bay (Dún Laoghaire), before athletes mount their bikes to travel through Dublin and west of the city, to return to Phoenix Park for the run and finish. IRONMAN and Dublin City Council are encouraging as many local residents as possible to come and cheer the athletes along on this iconic Dublin route.
Over 50% of these athletes will be competing in their first IRONMAN event. There has been a huge increase in female participation in IRONMAN events, with almost 500 women (19%) taking part in the IRONMAN 70.3 Dublin event. The event will also feature a number of Irish pro triathletes, including Kevin Thornton and Robbie Wade.
Brendan Kenny, Assistant Chief Executive, Dublin City Council commented on the event: “Dublin City Council is delighted to be involved in supporting IRONMAN 70.3 Dublin. This is the first time the event takes place in Dublin and thousands of athletes from all over the world will come to these shores to take part in the race on the 9th August. These races have a huge following worldwide and indeed triathlon is growing in popularity here in Ireland. I wish the IRONMAN 70.3 Dublin event every success.”
An tArdmhéara, Críona Ní Dhálaigh also welcomed participants to Dublin for the race: “I’m delighted to welcome all those participating in IRONMAN 70.3 Dublin and the many supporters who will accompany the athletes to this great sporting event. The importance of hosting events like this in terms of the economic value to the area is immeasurable. Is iontach an t-ardán é seo do Bhaile Átha Cliath agus an dúiche mórthimpeall air. Go gcúitítear do shaothar libh agus go leana an rath sibh sa rás ar an 9ú Lúnasa.”
For more detailed information on road closures affecting local areas on the bike and run course including maps and timings, please click here
About IRONMAN 70.3 Dublin
The Swim
The 1.2 mile swim will take place at 6.50am in Scotsman’s Bay in Dún Laoghaire. Athletes will be in the area on Saturday for racking and bag drop, plus early on Sunday morning to prepare for the event. There will be local road closures in place from 5am until approx 10am.
The Cycle
The bike course travels north skirting Dublin Bay from Dún Laoghaire to the East Link Bridge via Strand Road, using the North Quays to travel west through the city. This will mean that there is no vehicle access crossing the Liffey from 7am to 10.15am – access will be via the M50 only.
The Run
The third and final element of the race, will see the competitors complete a three lap, 13.1 mile run on Chesterfield Avenue, Phoenix Park.
The first professional athletes should cross the finish line at approximately 10.45am with the remaining competitors finishing right up to the official 8.5 hour cut off at 4.30pm. (Please note that there will be no car parking available in Phoenix Park for spectators).
Road Closures
In order to host an event of this scale, there will be road closures in place along the bike course as it travels from Dún Laoghaire, north along Dublin Bay and turning onto the North Quays as it heads through Phoenix Park for a circuit west of the city via Dunboyne, Kilcock, Maynooth and Strawberry Beds, and back into the Phoenix Park. We want to ensure that residents and businesses have the relevant information to plan their day in advance and minimize any impact the road closures may have. For full details on proposed road closures click on bit.ly/TempRestrictions
Although road closures will be in force it is important to note that access to all hospitals will be facilitated in the event of an emergency. Residents living in areas impacted by the road closures who depend on home care services should notify their service provider that access may be restricted.
For more detailed information on road closures affecting local areas on the bike and run course including maps and timings, please click here