Duathlon-National-Champs-2026 - Triathlon Ireland

The Phoenix Park Duathlon returned in style this weekend, delivering a fantastic finale to the 2026 Duathlon National Series (DNS).

Hosted by Belpark Triathlon Club, this year celebrating their 40th anniversary, the race has become something of a staple of the Triathlon Ireland duathlon calendar! Having run for 20 years, this year’s sold-out edition saw 350 athletes sign up to compete in three waves of racing under blue skies and sunny 15°C conditions in the heart of the park.

Championship Decider

The event was not only the 2026 Duathlon National Championships, and the final round of the Duathlon National Series, but this year the event also hosted the Intervarsity Championships.

To make it into the running for Duathlon National Series final standings, athletes needed to have two series races plus the Duathlon National Championship under their belt. This makes the Duathlon National Championship race key for both series title contenders and championship chasers.

With racing across three waves, just 10 minutes separating each, led to not one but three dramatic starts under the Belpark Starting Arch. Opening wave one featured the top contenders battling for national positions – and the excitement was palpable when the megaphone signalled the start of the race.

The Course

The sprint course, set around the Papal Cross in Phoenix Park, consisted of:

Run 1: 5km (two laps of a flat 2.5km triangular loop)
Bike: 21km (three laps including the Khyber Pass climb)
Run 2: 2.5km

With nowhere to hide on long exposed straights on the run course, athletes were able to track rivals and push the pace throughout.

The centrally located transition area was well set up with both run in and bike in at the same spot – making it an easy out for the bike leg, which included three loops in the iconic Phoenix Park. Stretching along Chesterfield Avenue and looping back via Chapelizod – including the Khyber Pass with its ‘gentle incline’, where along with spectators, the park’s deer looked on from the trees.

Open Race: Cornyn Retains the Title

The Open race delivered exciting racing, with defending champion Niall Cornyn taking control early on and never relinquishing it. The now three-time national champion built a solid lead across run, bike and run to secure back-to-back titles.

Just behind him, the battle for the podium was fierce, with emerging talent and seasoned competitors pushing the pace.

Open Podium:

Niall Cornyn 55:38
Leo Corry 57:54
Sean McMahon 58:11

Belpark Tri Clubs Leo Corry delivered a strong all-round performance to secure silver. Bronze placed Sean McMahon also won the Intervarsity honours, Sean isa National Triathlon Centre athlete and represented the University of Limerick.

There were impressive performances from athletes including James Graham, Luke Smith, Archie Bremner, Aidan Connell, Evan Tosh, Ciaran Kyne and Enda Bagnall; who rounded out the top 10.

Female Race: O’Brien Dominates

The female race featured a strong lineup of experienced athletes and rising stars. Emma O’Brien ( f2024 Duathlon National Champion and 2025 Triathlon National Series winner) produced a composed, consistent performance to take the win and secure a much deserved 2026 national title.

Women’s Podium:

Emma O’Brien 1:01:21
Helen Perry 1:03:09
Saoirse O’Brien 1:03:25

Helen Perry, winner of the Lisburn Duathlon in February continued her strong form to claim silver, while 2025 Duathlon National Champion Saoirse O’Brien came home in bronze.

Wicklow TC’s Sarah Diamond was in the mix throughout, as was Amy Pollmann-Daamen – the pair came home in fourth and fifth respectively.

Duathlon Series podium regulars also featured as Cork TC’s Maura Barry, Kathleen Ryan, Belpark’s own Andrea Brennan, Pulse TC’s Carmel Moran all finished inside the top nine.

Fantastic Finale

As the final race of the 2026 Duathlon National Series, Belpark’s Phoenix Park Duathlon delivered once again. National Champs were crowned, series standings finalised, and a spotlight on students in triathlon as part of the Intervarsity Champs was well established ahead of the next Intervarsity event at Tribesman Triathlon.
The final standings for the Duathlon National Series will follow later this week, we’ll update across our website and socials.

With fast racing, scenic surroundings, a brilliant club and community atmosphere, plus an enthusiastic crowd of spectators all made for a fun championship atmosphere in the heart of Dublin’s Phoenix Park.