Mid 2021 I was addicted to triathlon and wanted to share it with my friends. Races were being cancelled due to the pandemic so I planned out a route myself and got permission from the guys in 7 Compostella to operate out of their garden. I gave the race a name, a date, made an info pack and sent it out. The race itself turned out to be one of the best days of my year. This is a breakdown of how it went, from an organisational point of view.
Raceday we met at the house where people left their runners and water out the back. I gave a briefing, explaining dismount lines and helmet rules. Then we packed the bikes onto cars and drove to Warrell's End, Castleconnell.
At the waters edge we got suited up, lined the bikes against the wall and I gave the proper briefing. Stephen Watkins counted us down, watched the bikes, the timing camera and had a throw rope just in case. The 750m swim was a two lap course, along the bank. It was cold and raining so not the most pleasant, but everyone got on fine. Gavin Sheehan was there to get photos of everyone, which were very unflattering for me.
Transitions were slow, with this being the first triathlon for six of the eight people. Everyone got on fine though and took off for home. Wetsuits were left in buckets which Stephen packed into his car.
The cycle is a flat and fast 20km. I gave myself a target of staying in the aerobars for the entire distance, which I managed to do (painfully). The route took us to O'Briens Bridge, then straight home on the opposite side of the Shannon. Through UL we passed Gavin who got some more photos.
Rolling into Compostella, you dismounted and put the bike behind the house. I asked if Jamie was far ahead of me and was told; "yes, very". I was slow here because I changed shoes but was off running then.
The 5km run was one circular lap taking you past the Johnson & Johnson windmill. One small hill to start, then flat and fast. Gavin snapped a few more photos from his van before the last turn into Compostella.
Stephen Watkins was back now, to where Trish Flynn had set up the finish line for me. A 3 today banner we all ran through, and a table with goodie bags for each person. We'd a nice crowd of spectators to cheer everyone on and it was great to see how much everyone had enjoyed it. I'd charged €5 for entry which got loads of snacks and drinks, and it was lovely and sunny at this point.
I gave everyone the medals that Trish and I had made, with Gold for Jamie and Anna who won. I gave thank you gifts to Stephen, Trish & Gavin for their help, thanked everyone for coming. I got great feedback from everyone and suspect it won't be my last time organising such an event.
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