Late surge in entries for upcoming triAthlone event

There has been a late surge in entries for the sixth annual Waterways Ireland triAthlone, which takes place on the afternoon and evening of Saturday, July 2. During the last two weeks, close to 1,000 people have registered to take part in the olympic distance, sprint distance and try-a-triathlon categories. The events will start at 3pm and the total number of participants this year is expected to be in the region of 2,500. "While it won't be the absolutely gigantic event it was last year (when Athlone hosted the European Triathlon Championships) this will still be the biggest one-day triathlon in the country," stated the event's CEO, Liam Heavin. "This will still be much bigger than most triathlons in most parts of Europe and the numbers will be more than we had taking part on the Saturday of the triathlon weekend last year." Road closures were necessary over a four-day period last year but Mr Heavin said there has been a concerted effort to minimise the disruption which locals will face this year. "Because it's a one-day event with a 3pm start, the restrictions in terms of traffic and parking won't be as intense as in previous years. We'll be looking to get the closed roads opened up quickly as soon as the events come to an end," he said. "One of the new aspects this year is the fact that Athlone Town Council is holding its Summerfest festival on the same weekend as the triathlon. That's very exciting, and is something we're all looking forward to." Mr Heavin said that, while there would be some slight variations, the triathlon route would be "more or less the same" as last year. The Irish Sprint Triathlon Championships will be staged as part of this year's event but overseas commitments mean it's unlikely the country's most well-known triathletes will be able to compete this year. There will be a free practice swim for participants from 7-8pm on Friday, July 1, which will be supervised by members of the Inny Kayakers Association and Athlone Sub Aqua Club. Meanwhile, with just two and a half weeks to go until this year's triAthlone, an urgent call has been issued for more volunteers to come on board and assist with the event. Approximately 250 volunteers are needed to ensure that everything goes according to plan on the day. Organisers say they are currently 60 people short of that total. "We would love to hear from people who may be interested in coming on board to help out for a few hours," said triAthlone CEO Liam Heavin on Monday. He added that Athlone Credit Union had sponsored a 'goody bag' for each volunteer and this will include a t-shirt and a packed lunch. There will also be a post-event volunteers' party and spot prize giveaways. "In addition, we're always interested in having new people join our core group in a committee position," said Mr Heavin. "What we'd suggest if people are interested is that they get involved as a volunteer first and get a feel for the event in that way." Anyone who is interested in finding out more about volunteering on the day is asked to contact volunteer@triathlone.com or phone: 085 1164028.