The Hardman Duathlon
As the full triathlon season rapidly approaches, it’s that time of year again when a series of runs and duathlons take place around the country. While the water is still a little too cold for a full triathlon, a duathlon allows athletes to get back in to race mode without having to worry about digging out the wetsuit (or hypothermia!). On Saturday the 14th of April, the Hardman Duathlon took place in Killarney. Blackwater Triathlon Club’s Dave McGrath joined 90 other athletes on the starting line on a cool and overcast Saturday morning at the Fossa way path in the Killarney National Park. The race started with a 10km run through the National Park, on a fast and flat course. This was followed by a 40km cycle out to Killorglin and back, before finishing off with another 5km run in the park. Definitely a good start to the racing season. Conditions were favourable on the day with no rain or wind. Dave finished in a time of 2:49, despite suffering from cramp in his calf during the final kilometres of the cycle and the initial stages of the 5km run. He was helped through the pain somewhat by the support from some of his fellow Blackwater Traithlon Club members who were in Killarney for the annual Spring training weekend. This was a well organised event with plenty of stewards and good signage. Well done to dave and everyone else who took part on the day.