HALF IRONMAN 70.3

Following on from the Iron Kids on Friday evening, it was time for our Half Ironman competitors to

take to the stage. At sunrise on Saturday morning, the long wait was over, and it was time to put all

those years, months and hours of training into practice. Blackwater Tri Club had a strong

representation on the day, with the best of the best stepping up to the challenge. On the day you

couldn’t have asked for better sea conditions, flat calm, warm sea water. The athletes were

accompanied by the sound of AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” filling the air, adding to the nerves and

excitement as they waited to enter the water. Families, friends and supporters jostled for position

along the wall roaring out the chant “Thunderstruck” and trying to catch the eye of their loved ones.

The course consisted of a 1.9km sea swim, 90km cycle and 21km run. The cycle route was a hilly

tough ride despite the wonderful scenery of the beautiful East Cork and the fantastic residents,

supporting all the athletes as they cycled past. The sound of Cow bells, shouting and clapping from

supporters, could be heard long before the athletes turned the corner for the final push up to the

top of Windmill Hill. After the thrill of Windmill Hill, it was onto 21km run for the competitors. The

run was two loops of Youghal town with the same level of enthusiasm from the supporters which

never faded since 6am. There is something special about the Ironman event, for the athletes and

the supporters alike. So, what makes people to sign up for such events? What is the drive and

passion behind the event? I asked members to tell me what the event meant to them.

Gina Lyons reflection of the event. “It was a long time coming since 2020 was cancelled due to the

pandemic. We couldn’t have dreamed of better conditions with a calm sea, little or no wind and sun

beaming down on East Cork and Youghal adding to the magic atmosphere around the course and in

Youghal town centre for IM weekend. It was great having IM on our doorstep which meant we got to

know the bike route on training spins and Wednesday night club swim in Youghal became the

highlight of the weekly training plan!  We had an early start on race day (breakfast at 3.30) and

joined over 1000 other buzzing triathletes at front stand for a sun rise start at 6am. Enjoyed the

swim and delighted to get out of the water in 40 minutes. Scrambled a bit in T1 to find the bike bag.

Really enjoyed the bike leg.  Brilliant support throughout the route and when we turned onto

Windmill hill the reception was amazing with so many people cheering us up the hill.  Managed to

stay on the bike and great to see Frank and the boys at the top. Scrambled again in T2 to find my

bike spot and run bag (my brain was not functioning after the slog of the hill) and then settled into

the run with a nice 2 km downhill to start followed by 2 laps of the streets of Youghal.  The hot

temperatures made for a tough run but the atmosphere and support from the crowd was unreal. 

There were plenty of water stations and friendly locals cooling us down with garden hoses, ice bags

and water guns which helped get us to the red carpet and finish line.  It was also super motivating to

see the rest of the BTC 70.3 crew out along the run course and I think I got a high five with most of

them during the run.  It was a wonderful weekend and great to share that experience with family

and the brilliant BTC crew that took up residence in Youghal for an action-packed weekend of

triathlon. I was delighted with the result and a completely unexpected age group slot for the 70.3

world champs in Finland next year.  Also thrilled to be part of the BTC team that placed 3rd in the

team event. Still smiling and buzzing and already looking forward to next year!!!”

Another member said “6am start with the national anthem playing the nerves were at an all-time

high. But when you hit the water you knew there was a job to be done.

What was a beautiful swim from front strand towards Clay Castle you turn and head towards the

lighthouse and come out the crowds of people at Green Park.

Into the tent,  get the bike gear on and head for the 90k bike. Hydration was going to be key element

temperatures were to reach the highest of the week that day . The rolling bike route with the toughest

section from Midleton to Morley’s cross. As you head back to Youghal your next thought was the

infamous windmill hill. Do I walk it or cycle it? Either way you have to get to the top and start a 21k

run with the sun high in the sky. You knew it was going to be tough but the end was in sight with

cheers from club and family members making the very warm run more manageable and the red

carpet wasn’t too far away. When you do reach it I think every emotion goes through your head. My

last thought before I started the race was why am I doing this!!!  My first thought when I finished the

race was when can I do it again?

Ronan Fox is one of our newest members and very new to the world of Triathlon. “I turned 60 last

September and was looking for a significant challenge that would also get me fit. The Ironman 70.3

was exactly what I needed as it was 1 year away. It went into my calendar, and I counted down the

days and built up to the big day by entering smaller events and building up both my fitness and

confidence. The intense training and time involved was all worthwhile for that incredible feeling as

you run up the red carpet to the finish line with the crowd roaring you on – BRILLIANT!!!!!! I would

without hesitation recommend it to anyone to try it out 

The BTC crew overall had amazing days racing with a 3rd place on the Tri Club Podium. Brian Baker

with a 2 nd place in his age category and Gina Lyons won an invitation to take part in the 70.3 World

Championshipss in Finland next year. Dave McCarthy finished in an amazing time of 4:45:44. Harry

Feeney was next home, crossing the line in 5:11:01. As mentioned, Brian Baker finished second in his

age category in 5:30:23. Dave Harte came down the finishing chute in 5:40:23 followed closely by

Gina Lyons, who finished in 5:48:38 – 4 th in her age category,. Clem Leonard crossed the line in

5:54:25, Kenneth Power in 6:08:24, Ronan Fox in 6:45:33 and Bill McAuliffe in 7:16:03.

Congratulations to all our members for completing the race in tough conditions. The general feeling

among our members is roll on next year.