Dingle Hardman Triathlon.

There are still a few races taking place this year and on Saturday 12th September, The Dingle Hardman race took place. Part of the Wild Atlantic Way Series of events, the race was an Olympic distance event, starting with a 1.5k swim in Ventry Bay, followed by a 40km cycle and a 10km run. Blackwater Triathlon Club members Dave McCarthy, Eleanor Fennessy, Kieran Duggan, Mick Beston and Shane Fleming travelled down to Kerry to take part on the day.

Conditions on the day were excellent for racing. The water was a bit choppy out to the first buoy but nice and calm on the way back. Transition was on the beach and the last 1km of the run finished on the beach, which was a bit of a novelty for many of the competitors, some of whom are still finding sand in their gear.The cycle was around Slea Head, which afforded the competitors stunning views of The Blasket islands as the laboured up and down the hills. The run route took the racers around the hills of Ventry before a stunning and energy sapping final mile on the beach. It was a great day out and very well organised. Well done to all who took part on the day.Dave McCarthy finished in 2:27:48, 5th place overall. Kieran Duggan was next home in 2:53:03, followed by Eleanor Fennessy in 3:03:38, Mick Beston in 3:15:51 and Shane Fleming in 3:12:37.

Great performances all round and a welcome chance to compete in such a topsy turvey year.