Hillfest Duathlon

The June bank Holiday weekend was the 5^th year of the Hillfest festival in Watergrasshill. An initiative of the Watergrasshill Community and National School association, Hillfest is an opportunity for clubs in the local area to work together, hold an event and raise much needed funds for the local community and their charity partner, Pieta House. Following the success of last year’s duathlon, the oragnisers decided to have another one this year. 

The race, which consisted of a 3km run, followed by a 16km cycle and then a 5km run, attracted large numbers of competitors and among them were 15 of Blackwater Triathlon Club’s finest.  The race started with the runners running through Watergrasshill and heading for Glenville before turning back to the transition area in the school car park. The cycle was out towards Glanmire and back, with strong headwinds heading out and some very challenging hills on the way home. The final 5km run took the competitors out towards Knockraha and back to the village.  There was great success for the Blackwater Triathlon Club on the day. The Blackwater ladies were in absolutely flying form, with BTC members Ashleigh Byrne, Deidre Morrisson, Gina Lyons and Ann Lyons finishing in 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th places in the ladies race. Ashleigh and Deidre were also first and second in their age group, while Gina and Ann were 2^nd and 3^rd in theirs. Niamh Fleming also excelled on the day, also winning her age group. James Slowey and Shane Collins also had a good evening, finishing 6^th and 7^th overall, 4^th and 3^rd respectively in their age groups. All of the Blackwater Triathlon Club members who competed on the day did really well and all really enjoyed the race. The weather conditions on the day were warm and dry and it was a tough event but very well marshalled and organised by Hillfest with a special mention to the Watergrasshill Athletic Club and The Over The Hill Cycling Club. The competitors were especially impressed by the huge selection of much needed refreshments on offer after the race.