Triathlon arrived back on the Antrim Coast during the  www.dalriadafestival.co.uk with distances based loosely on 1/8 of an Ironman for a change.  In the 80′s there was a point to point event nearby and up to 10 years ago one at Cushendun.  This time round athletes swam 500m in the cool waters of the Irish sea, as we await summer to arrive, then 4k flat on the famous A2 Antrim Coast Road followed by an 8k climb up from Carnlough and returning on the same route. Just like Rostrevor, Ireland’s toughest olympic distance course this was going to be a challenge for all. A good test for race energy management and biking skill.

There was a great mix from multiple Irish Champions, World and European medallist on show.  Plently of newcomers and experienced age groupers determined to conquer the course and their club mates.

In the men’s race Alistair Duffield, Real Triathlon exited 1st from Carl Russell, Triangle who is a former pole vaulter and leading Portrush based surfer. Carl eventually passed Alistair on the climb and had around 30 seconds starting the run. The run travelled into the town crossing the river twice and on to a 2 lap 2k riverside trail run in the castle grounds. The going was soft and the lead changed twice before Alistair pulled slightly ahead to win by a couple of lenghts from Carl in 1.00.56.

Local man Ben Morrow 3rd who along with brother Wayne 6th and Malcolm Robinson, 8th one of three Glenarm athletes in the top 8 stayed ahead of 24/7 athlete Gavin Crawford. Gavin’s club is organising the Letterkenny sprint race 20th August. Former rower Matt Allum, Olympian came home 5th ahead of fellow Olympian Graham Barr who supplies our kit via www.signatureworks.co.uk

Tony McNulty, Olympian a faller at the first hurdle during last weeks Crooked Lake won the very competitive men’s vets race by a minute from Rodney Young, Triangle. Desi McHenry, Olympian cantered home next ahead of athletes from the same stable, James Cooke and Glen Pollock. Larne man Corey Irwin stayed Peter Morrison, Ian Steele and Sean Paul Hughes.

There was plently of talent on show in the ladies field with probably Ireland’s greatest ever female triathlete Anne Paul,recent winner Liam Ball still keeping the young guns on the toes.

Trudy Brown, Real Triathlon took the lead after in T1 and moved further ahead during the cycle to win by 2 minutes in 1.05.09 from Anne (1st Vet) and finish 7th overall.

In reality  Anne like many of the other vet girls can still beat the best in the open category as her 12th overall shows.

New girl on the block Kerry Speers a thoroughbred from Peninsula showed her biking power and finished in 1.11.22 ahead of youth full Jo-Anne Calvert (2nd vet) and her Peninsula club mate Claire Scott a former regular race winner tempted back after 10 years in other sports.

Catherine Kerr completed the ladies vets podium in 1.17. Young Rachael Hughes, Peninsula held of Helen Murray, Hi Elbow, Julie Stewart and Andrea Thompson.

Well done to ever smiling Bronagh McQuillan, Hi Elbow for finishing after a couple of punctures and  also Andrew Thompson.

Many thanks to Graeme Obree (former world cycling record holder) for attending and multiple Irish champion Eugene Galbraith for commentating never mind all the helpers and for so much local support along with www.xteraawetsuits.com and www.impactsignsni.co.uk/.

We will be back. Next race Belfast Triathlon fast and flat on closed roads. www.triathlon-ni.co.uk

See you next weekend at sunny Skerries.

Derek Patterson