Dunboyne on Ironman route

IRONMAN 70.3 Triathlon takes place in Dublin on Sunday 14th August. For the second year in a row, over 2,000 athletes will be tackling the iconic Dublin route. The event incorporates a 1.2 mile swim, followed by a 56 mile bike ride and then a 13.1 mile half-marathon all as one race. The swim takes place in Scotsman’s Bay (Dún Laoghaire), before athletes mount their bikes to travel up the coast and through the centre of the city and then looping out west of the city and returning to Phoenix Park for the run and finish. IRONMAN are encouraging as many local residents as possible to play a key role as an event volunteer or come and cheer the athletes along on the route.

In order to host an event of this scale, there will be road closures in place along the bike course as it travels from Dún Laoghaire, north along Dublin Bay and turning onto the North Quays as it heads towards Phoenix Park for a circuit west of the city via Lucan, Maynooth, Kilcock, Dunboyne, and back into the Phoenix Park. With a new cycle route this year, IRONMAN want to ensure that residents and businesses have the relevant information to plan their day in advance and minimize any impact the road closures may have.

Although road closures will be in force it is important to note that access to all hospitals will be facilitated in the event of an emergency. Residents living in areas impacted by the road closures who depend on home care services should notify their service provider who should contact the organiser to help facilitate access where necessary.

The Swim

The 1.2 mile swim will take place in Scotsman’s Bay in Dún Laoghaire with first Pros in the water at 6.50am through until the last start at 7:50am. Athletes will be in the area on Saturday for racking and bag drop, plus early on Sunday morning to prepare for the event. There will be local road closures in place from 4am until approx 10am.

The Bike

The bike course starts at Dún Laoghaire after the swim and travels up the coast and along the North Quays through Dublin city, past Phoenix Park and then looping out west of the city towards Lucan, Maynooth, Kilcock, Dunboyne and back to Phoenix Park.

The Run

The third and final element of the race, will see the competitors complete a three lap, 13.1 mile run in Phoenix Park, with the finish line on Chesterfield Avenue, near the Phoenix Roundabout.

The first professional athletes should cross the finish line at approximately 10.45am with the remaining competitors finishing right up to the official 8.5 hour cut off at 4.30pm. (Please note that there will be no car parking available in Phoenix Park for spectators). Among the competitors this year is a relay team of well-known Irish faces, including Helen Vaughan, Karl Fitzgerald and Ed O’Brien.

With Dublin’s reputation as one of the most hospitable cities in the world, organisers are encouraging as many local residents as possible to come and cheer the athletes along on the course or to get involved as a volunteer.

For more detailed information on road closures affecting local areas on the bike and run course including maps and timings, check http://eu.ironman.com/triathlon/events/emea/ironman-70.3/dublin/road-access.aspx#axzz4GT1OeByT