Race report & gallery: Top of the Mourne 2026

Rolling swim start in Carlingford Lough

With no wind, a little mist, and on and off showers, the race began just after midday with a rolling start into the flat waters of Carlingford Lough, with two 750m clockwise loops.

As athletes emerged from the water and headed into a newly positioned T1 alongside the lough, with a rolling start some early race positions began to take shape, with the leading swimmers establishing themselves at the front of the field. A Home race for Matthew Kinkaid, the Newry Tri Club athlete recorded a 22:08 swim, with Fiona Murphy, leading the Women’s Field in 22:21 – the fastest female swim split. 

Bike into the Mourne Mountains

The cycle route headed from Rostrevor into the Mourne Mountains, beginning with approximately 10km of gradual, rolling hills before athletes faced two serious climbs.

One of the highlights of the route is Spelga Dam with the climbs matching some spectacular descents, before returning towards Rostrevor and the final leg. A fast bike for Helen Perry who completed the cycle in 1:19:13 recording the fastest split for Female race and a strong cycle for local Matthew Kinkaid who recorded 01:07:50 for the mountainous 40km course.

Hilly Run through Kilbroney

Exiting T2 positioned in the forest park, athletes headed out towards Fairy Glen, through Kilbroney Forest Park for a hilly 10km trail run.

The two-lap course passing enchanted ‘Narnia’ forest sculptures in the forest trail, and final hill left athletes to dig deep for the final push to the finish. Helen Perry once again recording the fastest split in the run. In the Open race Jordan McIlwaine from Tuna Triathlon Club recorded fastest run split in 37:37 

Spectacular setting 

Congratulations to all the athletes who took on the Top of the Mourne Standard Distance Triathlon 2026, and thanks to Newry Triathlon Club, the volunteers, marshals, supporters and local community who helped make race day possible.