The Markel Castle Triathlon Series has a glorious start this season at the Lough Cutra Castle Triathlon

Over 400 competitors enjoyed glorious sunshine at the Lough Cutra Castle Triathlon, Gort, Co. Galway yesterday (Sunday 26th May). The event which is just in its second year attracted first timers, children, families and elite triathletes from across Ireland and the UK, racing either in teams or by themselves. Competitors and spectators enjoyed the stunning race course accompanied by a festival atmosphere including: Irish piper and live band, children's entertainment and food as the event soaked up the sunshine.

The international team challenge saw an intense race before  Team GB claimed the winning €1,000 prize money. First over the line, and winner of the Olympic distance, was David Bishop (Bike Science - Boardman Elite) with a new course record of 2 hours, 3 minutes and 45 seconds. Second home was his Team GB peer Nick Beer (Total Fitness Bath) with Team Ireland's Matt Molloy (Team Freespeed Virgin Active) taking the final place on the podium. The female team members also gave a strong performance with Amy Wolfe from Cork finishing in first place. Winner, David Bishop was elated with his finish and said, "I loved the bike and run course, they were honestly the best I've ever done. The scenery is absolutely amazing at Lough Cutra Castle – it would be a fantastic venue for a training camp!".

Two of the Lough Cutra Castle family, Rollo Gwyn-Jones and his brother Dominic, took part in the triathlon.  The younger brother, Rollo, who finished 12th in the Olympic distance burst over the finish line with a huge smile on his face saying, "That was a fabulous race and what an incredible atmosphere. It's so wonderful to see the tri clubs, the elites and so many people from the local community mixing together here at Lough Cutra Castle. I'm proud to be part of this event".

Many families took part as races cater for children from 8 years to 15 years of age. Dublin family the Fahys, from Dalkey, were all competing in their first triathlon – Mum, Orla, and Dad, Nick, successfully completed the Viscount Gough Sprint while Richard and Patrick did the Teal (13-5), James the Cormorant (11-12) and Kate enjoyed the Widgeon for 8-10 year olds.

Race Director, Brian Adcock was delighted with the success of the event saying, "Entries were more than doubled from last year and we were blessed with a glorious day. We're already getting enquiries about next year's race which takes place on the same bank holiday weekend in 2014, Sunday 25th May."

The Lough Cutra Castle Triathlon is the first of the five Markel Castle Triathlon Series weekend events  to take place this year. Each Castle offers a high quality, competitive and safe race set in beautiful grounds and truly spectacular surroundings, testament to the 10,000 competitors set to take part in the Series.

As well as enjoying race challenges, many competitors use the events to fundraise for good causes and charities. Local charity partners for the event are the Sunni Mae Trust and Coole F.C. who provided marshals for the triathlon.
Registration is now open for The 2014 Markel Lough Cutra Castle Triathlon taking part on Sunday 25th May 2014. New features for  2014 will include:

• The Gauntlet, Half iron distance, 1.9km swim/90km bike/21km run
• Open water and training day at Lough Cutra Castle
• School triathlon programme

Registration is now open , don't miss  the special early bird discount at www.castletriathlonseries.co.uk.

Official Results

To register for the 2014 event and see full details of the results and winners of the relay events please visit www.loughcutratri.ie

For more information, and online applications, visit www.castletriathlonseries.co.uk or call 1892 870 681.