Kilkenny City will once again open up to athletes from all over Ireland as the Kilkenny Triathlon returns to the sporting calendar on July 16th
Summer is here and the countdown is on for the 2023 KTC Triathlon! A long-standing part of the county’s sporting calendar, this event, which will see people swim in the Nore, cycle through the Kilkenny countryside and run in the Castle Park, attracts people from clubs across the South-East and all over Ireland
Based in the heart of the city the race, which has the stunning Kilkenny Castle as a backdrop, will see triathletes from all over Ireland flock to the Marble City to swim, cycle and run their best on Sunday, July 16.
This year’s race is sponsored by Manicle Property Insurance Claims (MPIC). MPIC are ideal sponsors for this year’s triathlon – both Seán Manicle and Cora Hennessy are long-standing members of Kilkenny Triathlon Club!
“Having been involved with the club since the start, this is a great opportunity for us to give something back,” said Cora. “While triathlon is an individual sport the club has a wonderful community, with people of all ages involved.”
“At Manicle Property Insurance Claims our philosophy as a business is ‘how can we help’,” added Seán. “For us that was a match with the triathlon club’s ethos, as they are always there helping people along. That’s why we came on board as race sponsors – it makes for a great partnership.”
The race begins with a 750m downstream swim in the River Nore. This is followed by a 20km cycle which takes participants out into Kilkenny’s idyllic countryside before looping back to the Castle Park for a 5km run. The course is testing, but offers a challenge to the experienced triathlete and beginner alike (there is also a try-a-Tri option, which has a 350m swim).
Part of what makes the event such a hit with participants is the friendliness that flows on race day. Kilkenny Triathlon Club prides itself in being a hands-on club – members volunteer on the day, offering help and assistance to ease any last-minute nerves that may arise and to ensure everyone enjoys their day.
None of this would be possible without the help and support of the event partners and sponsors, all of whom come together to make the day a big success.
And for anyone who enters this year’s race, Manicle Property Insurance Claims have provided a special bonus prize. Three lucky people will be drawn at random and will win a race kitbag.
And that’s not all – to recognise the efforts of the volunteers, a fourth kitbag will be raffled between KTC volunteers on the day.
“It takes a lot to run an event for any club,” said Cora. “I think it’s hugely important that we show our appreciation for the volunteers and all they do. The one thing people always say about the duathlons and triathlons in Kilkenny is that they are run and marshalled so well – people are always so friendly and encouraging, and they bring an element of safety and clarity that makes the day run so well.”
For more on the KTC Triathlon, or to sign up for this year’s event – there is still time! – please visit www.kilkennytriathlonclub.com
