Last weekend (7^th sep) our beautiful little town hosted the sixth annual half Ironman Triathlon.  This year saw a record number of local participants totalling 27 in all.  9 individuals faced into what is unanimously agreed within the triathlon community to be the toughest tri event held in Ireland, and 18 competed as part of relays.  So first and foremost, a big well done to all and Kenmare tri club looks forward to seeing even more locals take up the challenge next year.

The 1.9km swim kicked off around 07:15 in what can only be described as ,”less than ideal conditions”.  Both the air and water temperature were cold due to gale force winds from the north and a large quantity of cold flood water flowing down from the Sheen and Roughty rivers (more about this later).  The first section of the swim seemed to go smoothly enough in that I didn’t hear any horror stories about people getting goggles knocked off or any accidental knocks from other swimmers.  Once around the large yellow buoy ( approx 500m )  many swimmers noticed the water felt even cooler as they approached the suspension bridge which may have been one of the reasons quite a few people got cramps. 

Now to the hydrodynamics……The event organisers had timed the start time so that the swimmers would be coming under the bridge on the incoming tide as it slowed down towards high tide.  So the idea was that there would either be a current with the swimmers or no current at all.  However, the flood water coming down the two rivers feeding the bay was stronger than the ebbing tide which from the swimmers perspective meant that the tide turned much earlier than planned resulting in a current against the swimmers. 

This of course made the swim section  hard. But hey, the whole idea of this event is to be very tough. On a positive note, the surface conditions were flat due to the north wind.

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The event really lived up to its reputation on the 90km cycle leg.  Competitors travel from far and wide both nationally and internationally to pit themselves against the 3 hills on the cycle route with the healy pass and the caha pass being notably infamous.  However, this year those strong northerly winds buffeted cyclists all over the place on the long stretch of road between Adrigole and Glengariff .  On the ascent from Glengariff to the tunnels at the Caha Pass, the head winds were so strong in places that one felt that they would come to a complete stop.  Some cyclists also had a few hairy moments as they left the tunnels and got hit by side winds that threatened to push them onto the wrong side of the road.  There was some respite once down off the mountains and into the shelter of the Bonane valley, with most people seeming to enjoy the last bit of the cycle leg.  That is of course until they remembered the half marathon yet still ahead of them.

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The run section of the event from a conditions point of view turned out to be the most pleasant. The clouds lightened, the sun came out here and there, the winds were kept at bay by the tree lined roads and it felt warm. Of course from a physical perspective it was hell.  The energy levels at this stage are much depleted from 4hrs plus of racing.  The 21k run was well organised with very welcome water stops along the way.  Most people I have spoken with agree that from Sheenfalls to Roughty bridge and the main road section to the finish line seemed to go on forever.  This might have had something to do with the fact that we were all exhausted by that stage.

From a personal perspective and I am sure that I speak on behalf of all local competitors, the support from local spectators whether they were friends, family or just familiar faces from the Kenmare area was a great morale boost.  I’m sure the other 273 competitors would consider this an unfair advantage for the local gang, but I think anyone who looked like they needed a cheer etc. got it.   

So once again, well done to all those who got their first half ironman under their belt.  Our local Triathlon star Ellen Vitting came in 3rd place overall in the women’s category.  So well done Ellen.

The lost sheep triathlon is organised by the cork triathlon club.  James Mulchrone from “Jam” is one of their key sponsors, so thankyou and well done for running and sponsoring the event guys.

As always, many local volunteers helped out along the route aswell as the civil defence, the gardai, the kayakers and others.  A big thank you to all who gave up their day to help out.

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Triathlon is currently the largest growth sport in Europe.  Most events are much shorter distances than “the lost sheep half ironman” with the most common distance event taking between 1 hour and 2 hours to complete all 3 disciplines.  There are many events held within a short distance of Kenmare and there are three events held in Kenmare each year.

The sport gets you outside in the fresh air (and water) creates an all round fitness that makes it an ideal weight loss method.  Add the fact that you can compete in events in Kenmare, Kerry, Munster and the rest of Ireland if you wish and you get to meet a whole bunch of people who are as mad as you.

For more information on the Kenmare Triathlon Club check out www.kenmaretri.com

Article written by Paul Tanner

Hi all, Please note that the A.G.M will take place on Wednesdays the 1st of October, starting at 7.30pm sharp in Jam.

Kenmare Triathlon Club Annual Swim Across Kenmare Bay

Templenoe Pier to Star Sailing Centre.

Hi All, please find enclosed swim route for the annual swim across Kenmare Bay, Starting from Templenoe Pier across the bay to Star  Sailing Centre. We Hope to have the swim on Saturday the 13^th September weather permitting.

The swim will start  from Templenoe pier at 4.pm sharp. The swim is just under 3km in distance. Templenoe pier is out the Kenmare -  Sneem road ( N70) .

Please note the following: All swimmers  must wear wet suits and bright swimming hats.

The swim will be at High tide and will start at 4.pm start. All swimmers to be at the pier at 3.30pm for a safety briefing. Please note swimmers swim at their own risk, you must be a confident swimmer to do this swim.

Closing date for swim is Wednesday the 10^th September, Please confirm by e-mail (colm.herbalife@gmail.com) or give me a call / text on 087 2399725.  No Entry’s will be Take on the Day. If your name is not in by Wednesday you cannot swim. We need to confirm numbers so we have adequate safety boats for the day.

This year we are doing the swim for Irish Cancer Society,  10 Euro per swimmer.

I will be providing free samples of Herbalife products after the swim, energy drinks , and tea. Anybody wishing to get a free body analysis and consultation give me a all on 087 2399725.

“Dream big, dream as big as you can”

Bob Bowman swimming coach of Michael Phelps. Eight gold medals in the 2008 Olympics’.