Results

Carrick-on-Suir Duathlon 2008

Race report and results

The inaugural Carrick-on-Suir Duathlon took place on Saturday 26th April in the beautiful surroundings of Rathgormack, Co. Waterford. The race was a superb success with over 120 competitors having signed up.

The committee and the various helpers were out in Rathgormack bright and early on Saturday morning to set up the transition and registration areas, sweep the course and assemble the goody bags each racer would receive. Plenty of racers signed up on the day to add to the large number that had already signed up online. As the hall at the Rathgormack Hiking and Hostel Centre filled up there was a buzz and anticipation as each competitor psyched up for the challenging course that lay ahead.

After race organiser Niall Crowley gave the race briefing everyone took the short walk to the start line. Unfortunately the weather did not co-operate fully on the day as some rain drops started to trickle down. Luckily throughout the race there was little more than some light rain with occasional showers but, most importantly, very little wind. As such the conditions were pretty good for racing.

In the men's race Mark Dowling, son of Irish boxer Mick Dowling and member of Pulse Triathlon Club, was 1st over the line with a fantastic time of 1:02:20. Colin Bolger, also from Pulse Triathlon Club, finished a little less than 2 minutes later to come 2nd and rounding off the prize winning places was Paul Hickey from the Cork Triathlon Club in 3rd place.

It was a close race between the women with only 1 minute separating the top 3. Louise Nolan from Carlow Tri Club was the first female home in a time of 1:19:18. 2nd place went to Hilda Barron of 3D Triathlon Club finishing 44 seconds later. Kealey Tideswell from Clonmel AC took 3rd place a mere 17 seconds later.

In the Vet's categories Pat Ryan and John Casey claimed 1st and 2nd place respectively in the male race. Two local ladies claimed the top spots in the female vet's category with Norma Goggin of Waterford Tri coming 1st and Carrick's own Marie Casey-Breen coming 2nd.

Indeed the Carrick club was well represented at the race with no less than 24 competitors. Kenny Curran was the first Carrick man home to claim a fantastic 6th place and Aine Roche was the first Carrick female to cross the finish line.

Soup, sandwiches and some welcome cups of tea followed the race in the Rathgormack Hiking and Hostel centre. After the results were calculated the prize giving took place with club chairman Barry McCarthy doing the honours.

Thanks to the hard work of all involved in organising the race and the interest shown by the many competitors that entered, the first Carrick Duathlon will surely not be the last. With a challenging course and a scenic location the race could prove to be a major event in the race calendar for years to come.

For full results list click here.

Race Sponsored by

ROCO Scandinavian Windows and DoorsKenny Curran - Painter and Decorator