An Cosantóir

www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE | 33 Triathlon provides military personnel with a wholistic fitness through the combined challenge of its three component disciplines- swimming, cycling and running. In addition, the non-load bearing nature of two of the disciplines (swim- ming and cycling) make it an ideal sport for those seeking to recover from or avoid injury. The DF Sprint Triathlon provides not only an official Sprint Distance Event for more experi- enced competitors, but also Try-a-Tri and relay events for those less experienced. Lilliput Adventure Centre has served as the event head- quarters for some years now, kindly providing organisers and competitors use of its lake shore facilities and grounds. Placed on the hill adjacent to the centre, a 25-pound gun provided and fired by 2 Brigade Artillery Regiment tradition- ally signals the race start. The swim then commences below in the waters of Lough Ennell, a relatively shallow and warm lake fed by the Brosna River. The Try-a-Tri Swim is 250 metres and takes place largely in water of 1 metres depth while safety kayaks and boats are also at hand, making this an ideal Triathlon for weaker swimmers to 'dip their feet' in the sport. The Sprint Distance meanwhile is a more challenging 750 metres distance. Upon leaving the water, competitors embark on a Bike Course of 21.9 km taking in the local vil- lages and townships of Dysart, and Castletown-Geoghegan. Roads are winding in places though conditions are good overall, and while roads are not closed, assistance for 2 Bri- gade Military Police and Mullingar Garda Station ensure that competitors can contest a challenging but safe course. The course concludes with a one lap 5 km run on local roads and laneways. This year as competitors reached the run tempera- tures rose towards 30 degrees, providing an extra challenge to those progressing towards the finish line in Lilliput Adven- ture Centre. This year the inaugural RACO Perpetual Cup was awarded to the overall event winner. Event sponsors RACO also provid- ed prizes for winners across age and event categories. Guest competitors from An Garda Síochanna were extremely com- petitive on the day, with Aidan Kelly and Michael McGloin picking up 2nd and 3rd place respectively representing the Garda Triathlon Association. Overall winner was Cpl Mathew Carroll, No. 3 Ops Wing, Air Corps, finishing with an overall time of 1:07:04 having led the race from the beginning. Chip timing allows all participants to reflect on accurate leg splits and overall timings. A post event Barbeque provid- ed by 6 Infantry Battalion, who ably oversee event logistics, is a final opportunity for triathletes from across the country and the emergency services to socialise and reflect on the end of the DF Triathlon Event Season and its marquee event. Next season competitors and those interested in getting involved in Triathlon can look forward to Triathlon events in the form of the: • DF Duathlon in Casement Aerodrome • DF Try-a-Tri in the Naval Base, Haulbowline • DF Open Water Swim Camp • DF Triathlon Overall winner Cpl Mathew Carroll, No. 3 Ops Wing, AC being presented with the RACO Perpetual Cup by RACO's General Secretary Comdt Conor King.

• Cover