The 2015 duathlon season kicks off with a bang in Ballinrobe on Saturday February 6th. This fast and flat run/bike/run event attracts all abilities. The whole country has gone fitness mad with operation transformation and the fit for life groups see how your fitness is progressing and head to Ballinrobe for the duathlon.
The Ballinrobe Active Travel Routes have seen a big increase in activity the last few months with hi-vis jackets and headlamps being the new fashion craze with large volume of runners, walkers and cyclists seen clocking up the miles as they hone their fitness.
The annual Ballinrobe Duathlon, which is now in its 5th year provides a safe outlet for your fitness enthusiasm by giving everyone an achievable goal to reach. Thankfully Ballinrobe is not renowned for hills and this pan flat course is a great starter event for all abilities.
This year we have a relay category which opens up the event to even more athletes, just form a team by getting one person to do the running and one person to do the cycling.
Local cycling and running clubs are combining forces to form as many partnerships as possible so they get as many teams out competing against each other with the best holding the bragging rights.
The elites always target Ballinrobe event as it is a great early season tester, the short 3.5k run around the beautiful and picturesque Bowers Walk is an ideal distance to run flat out and test leg speed. Followed by the pan flat 18km cycle which takes in the villages of Robeen and Clongowla is perfect for those who like to test their ability against the watch on the bike. The beauty of this course is that its very flat, with very few corners so bike skill is not a necessity so it is perfect for novices to give a duathlon a try.
The event is chip timed with every participant getting a breakdown of their performance after the event. The duathlon event is open to everyone, we encourage you to come along and give yourself a challenge at the end of the day all you need is a desire to finish!
Registration and event information can be found at www.raceface.ie or call in to Marrey Bikes, Watson Lane, Ballinrobe from 5.00 – 8.00 pm Friday or again on Saturday morning from 8-9 am to enter manually.
The race kicks off at 10 am sharp, the action will all be based around Abbey street as the start, transition and fish are all here, expect to see the first a athletes home by 10.50am such is the calibre of the competition.
Vaughan Shoes, Ballinrobe Physiotherapy, Chrysalis Beauty Salon and Marrey Bikes are the perfect sponsors for this event as all three companies specialise in supporting the outdoor enthusiast.
The event is supported by Mayo county council, Ballinrobe Men’s Shed Group, Western Lakes CC, Ballinrobe Tidy towns, the RSA and Order of Malta.
There will be an event after party at Costello’s Bar, Abbey St from 8pm, where race photos and video footage will be shown on the night. Everyone invited so come along and enjoy the night.
