Triathlon race for festival

Kells Heritage Festival which takes place early next month will host a triathlon event for the first time. The event will be held at Kells swimming pool on Saturday, 5th July and is being organised by Tri an Mhi. The race which is known as an aquathon will see competitors replicating the disciplines of a triathlon in a shorter sprint version. The first leg will be a 750-metre swim which will be followed by a 20km cycle and finally a 5km run. The race is aimed at beginners and is open to everyone. Anyone wishing to participate can enter at www.trianmhi.com. Each competitor will receive a goody bag and there will be prizes for the fastest male and female entrants. Tri An Mhi was established in 2007 and the chairman and founder is Liam Newman. It is affiliated to Triathlon Ireland. Triathlon is a relatively new sport and only first appeared in the Olympics in 2000. The club is made up of male and female athletes of all ages. Currently Tri An Mhi cannot admit members under 18 years of age, but this is due to change next year with the addition of an under-age structure to the club. Members are of varying abilities from beginners to competitive athletes. The club boasts a number of race wins by various members and has exceptional talent within its ranks. Members come from different sporting backgrounds such as GAA, soccer and athletics. The club has close links with other local clubs such as Bohermeen AC who have helped Tri An Mhi develop. The club also regularly runs workshops for its members on subjects such as cycling and nutrition. Tri an Mhi is open to everyone and the annual membership fee is €35. The next Tri an Mhi triathlon after the Kells race will be the 'Dunsany Lodge" Sprint Triathlon which will be held in Dunsany on Saturday 12th September. Both events are aimed at promoting the sport and Tri an Mhi will be hoping these races will inspire people to get involved.