Africa Triathlon

Mourne Youth Duathlon 2006

31 competitors lined out for Mourne Youth Duathlon which this year acted as the Irish Youth Duathlon Championships. The field included both locals and those who had travelled with parents taking part in the main event.

Special mention to Michael Mahon who travelled from Greystones that morning especially for the youth race, Byron and Evan Cunningham who travelled from Blessington and Donall Breen from Wexford.
The local Dromara Cycling Club was well represented by its junior members. The duathlon consisted of two laps of a 600m run course, followed by a 4km cycle around Castlewellan lake and a final one lap run. The run was held on grass and walking paths and included a particularly challenging ascent towards the castle.

First home in a time of 16:13 was Eoghan McManus. Laura Casey was the first female competitor home taking third place overall with a time of 16:46.
Both have put in excellent performances this year in youth events and are also Irish Youth Aquathon Champions in their age groups. Names to watch for the future perhaps.
Competition was keen in all age groups and it was an extremely fast field.
In the Male 12-13 category, Christy Davis took first place over Greg Naughton by two seconds. In the female age 11 category, Victoria Kinkaid took first place over her sister Maria by a few seconds. Meabh Nolan put in very good run times but lost time on the cycle course.
She wins the ‘Endeavour’ award for the event. Congratulations to all youth competitors on an excellent race and season overall.

Looking forward to seeing you at youth events next year.

Patricia Roe

For photos and results check out triathlonireland.com