2014 Season off to a flying start with The ‘Butchers Block Duathlon’

The ‘Butchers Block Duathlon’ kicked off the 2014 season in Punchestown this Sunday with over 200 triathletes of all abilities tackling the course. It starts with a 3.5k run around the racecourse followed by a 20k bike leg out to Blessington and back with a second lap of the racecourse to finish. Cork based Cathal O’Donnabhainn was in flying form on the 1st run leg leading Mariusz Olejniczak with a run time of 9:57 and it was clear he was determined to start the year off with a victory. He did this in fine style setting a new course record of 52:26 in the process. Mariuz, a previous winner of the race and member of the Naas Triathlon Club came a very creditable second with Peter kern completing the podium in third.

In the ladies race there was no surprise to see last year’s series winner Caroline Conway leading after the first run but Kitty Perle was in no mood to make it easy for her and pressed her all the way. In the end Caroline’s run speed made the difference and she came home first in a time of 1:04:37 just over a minute ahead of Kitty with Aisling Flanagan taking third spot.

For many of those competing it was their first attempt at such a race and this is a perfect way to get involved in the sport of Triathlon. Luckily the weather gods were kind today which made it all the more enjoyable. The second leg of this popular race series hosted by Naas Triathlon Club is on the 23rd February and entries are filling fast so don’t miss out – register on www.naastriathlonclub.com.

Ed Byrne
PRO Naas triathlon Club

087 2223451