The very first Fota Island Challenge Series Sprint Duathlon takes place on the 1st of March 2014, spreading the exciting and challenging three-part race through the wooded grounds of Fota Island Resort and Cobh.
Triathlon Ireland sanctioned, the race consists of a 5k run around the grounds of Fota Island Resort followed by a 22k cycle, taking competitors out towards Cobh and on a loop around the back of the Great Island with lovely views and rolling hills, followed by the third and final element, a second 5k run, the reverse of the first.
Not just an event for committed sportspeople, on the big day there will be a market, a DJ, a number of prizes, goody bags, a variety of food and kids’ activities, so it’s not solely designed for competitive athletes, but for complete beginners too, plus it’s a great day out for their families, supporters and friends, all of whom are very welcome.
To enter the Duathlon, visit the Triathlon Ireland website www.triathlonireland.com before 5pm on Friday, 27th February. Registration takes place on 28th February from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. or the 1st March from 7.30 to 9.45 a.m. in the Recreational Building at Fota Island Resort with the race itself starting at 10.30am sharp.
There are excellent accommodation packages available at the Resort too for those who are travelling to the Duathlon, with the added bonus of access to the world-class spa at the Resort to soothe any weary limbs!
As the event is Triathlon Ireland sanctioned, a race license is required and the duathlon fee per participant is €39.
With eight different prize categories ranging from overall female and male to 16-19 years, 20 – 34 years, 35 – 49 years and 50+ in both sexes, prizes will be given at 2 p.m. approximately, after the race on the training pitch at Fota Island Resort. Prizes have been generously sponsored by a variety of organisations and companies, including Keanes Jewellers.
Derived from the Irish words ‘fód te,’ meaning warm soil, Fota Island Resort benefits from the same excellent drainage and microclimate that has allowed the neighbouring Arboretum on Fota Island to flourish, with its collection of rare trees and plants, and enabled the Wildlife Park, just around the corner on the same little island, host its own exotic specimens.
Competing on Fota Island will be a unique and distinctive experience, running and cycling through tall oak trees and forested paths and, depending on the weather and the prevailing winds, parts of the race might happen to the unusual soundtrack created by some of the wild animals in Fota Wildlife Park!
The event is sanctioned by the governing body for triathlons and related events in Ireland, Triathlon Ireland, so therefore complies with all established rules including safety regulations, race organisation guidelines and provision of third party insurance cover.
With food available for participants after the race, plus Optimum Nutrition energy drink pre-race and recovery drink post-race, water and aid stations, showers and plenty of free parking, this will be an efficient and well-run event, and hopefully the first of many Fota Island Challenge Series Events on Fota Island.
Registration details, detailed maps of run and cycle routes and further information are available on www.fotaisland.ie