Fota Island Resort is set to play host to the Challenge Series Sprint Duathlon on Sunday, 28th February. This will be the second Challenge Series Sprint Duathlon to take in the grounds of the five star resort, and consists of a challenging three-part race taking athletes through the stunning wooded areas which surround the luxury 5 star hotel in Ireland.
This year’s event forms part of the National Series, which is a collection of some of Ireland’s most popular and long established races on the Triathlon calendar. In order to host a National Series race, a higher level of service to participants is required than for a standard race. Triathlon Ireland members score points in their respective age groups through competing in these National Series races, a significant achievement for any athlete.
Duathlon proceedings commence at 10.30 a.m. sharp, with registration available between 5.00 to 7.30 p.m on Friday, 27th February, and 7.00 to 9.45 a.m. on Sunday, 28th February, in the Recreational Building, which it situated quite close to our luxury spa hotel.
The Fota Island Challenge Series Sprint Duathlon has been sanctioned by Triathlon Ireland and consists of a 4.8km run around the grounds of Fota Island Resort followed by an 18km cycle, taking competitors out towards the scenic seaside town of Cobh and then back around the wonderful setting of Cork Harbour’s Great Island with a stunning combination of seascapes and rolling hills. The third and final section awaits which incorporates a second 4.8km run, which follows the first running route in reverse.
As the event is Triathlon Ireland sanctioned, a race license is required and the duathlon fee per participant is €39 and €75 for relay teams. There will be three different categories on the day from individual to relay teams and minimum age is 16 for the duathlon.
The prize giving ceremony will take place at the Recreational Building, starting at approximately 2:30 p.m. following completion of the race. Prizes have been generously sponsored by a variety of organisations and companies, including Keanes Jewellers.
Competing on Fota Island will be a unique and distinctive experience, running and cycling through tall oak trees and forested paths not too far from its championship Cork Golf Club and, depending on the weather and the prevailing winds, parts of the race might occur amid an exotic and tropical soundtrack created by some of the wild animals in the neighbouring Fota Wildlife Park!
With tea, coffee and sandwiches available for participants after the race, plus water stations, showers and plenty of free parking, Fota Island Resort ensure this year’s race will be as efficient and well-run as last year’s successful Challenge Series Sprint Duathlon, a great day out for athletes, their families, supporters and friends, all of whom are very welcome on the day. Visitors can choose from the extensive dining options from our Cork restaurants, as well as the much loved Afternoon Tea which can be enjoyed while you watch on with interest.
For more information don’t hesitate to contact Fota Island Resort at challengeseries@fotaisland.ie.
