Over 100 fledgling athletes took part in their first Triathlon on Sunday morning by successfully completing Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Try a Tri initiative.
Participants had just six weeks of preparatory training before the event that featured ten lengths of the leisure centre’s pool (250m), a 10 mile cycle and a two mile run.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Maolíosa McHugh, congratulated all those who took part in Sunday’s event that took place under clear skies and high temperatures.
“Congratulations to all the women and men who completed their first triathlon on Sunday and all the coaches whose expert guidance has brought them to this point,” he said.
“It is a significant milestone on their fitness journey and is all the more impressive given the high temperatures we experienced at the weekend.
“I was impressed to see the extension of this initiative following the success of last year’s pilot scheme to everyone in the Council area over the age of 16 and I am sure it will go from strength to strength,
“While some of those who took part may choose to enter a full triathlon in the future I hope all of them will gain something from the experience.”
The Mayor extended a special note of thanks to Carmel Lynch Bradley and her team of dedicated coaches for their work in providing coaching and helping co-ordinate the event alongside the Council Everybody Active team.
Following the success of last year’s womens’ event in the city, the initiative has been extended this year to include Strabane and also male entrants.
The Strabane group are currently preparing at the Riversdale Leisure Centre in the town and are set to complete their triathlon next month.
The Try a Tri initiative was hosted by Council and local triathletes through the EveryBody Active 2020 programme.
For further information visit www.derrystrabane.com/
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