2017 Reviewed – Middle Distance National Championships
The Lost Sheep is certainly no mean feat, with two category one climbs on the bike course and a hilly half marathon length run – making it one of the toughest challenges on the domestic triathlon calendar.
This event, now in its 15th year, also hosted the Middle Distance Championships in 2016. Aine Donegan and Charles Maltha were crowned National Middle Distance Champions for 2017.
Maltha runs to victory
Charles Maltha won the men’s National Middle Distance race after an outstanding run on the undulating course. Irish Ironman record holder; and Duathlon and Standard National Championship silver medallist Bryan McCrystal put in another stellar performance, leading the race into T2 by six minutes. He was passed on the run by Maltha but finished the race in 2nd place making this his third silver in a National Championship of the 2017 season. Aichlinn O’Reilly finished the race in third position, just one minute behind McCrystal.
First National title in the Women’s Race
In the women’s race, Aine Donegan took a convincing win and was thrilled with her first national title;
“I felt really good on the run. I stuck to the plan on the bike and tried not to go too hard on the hills and really enjoyed it. I’ve never been national champ before so I am delighted.”
Former Olympic rower Sinead Lynch came back to Triathlon in recent years, having last raced before she picked up the oars. Lynch finished second after a successful season in her newly rediscovered sport. Jennifer Duffy finished third having returned to triathlon this year.
Pictures & Race reports
There are two galleries of pictures on our Facebook page. The race report for this event can be found here.
All the Age group medallists will be presented with their silverware at the 2017 Triathlon Ireland Awards Night in the Gibson Hotel, Dublin on Saturday, 18th November. Tickets are selling fast – to get yours call the TI office on 01 2741032.
If you have queries over any of the results published please contact us on events@triathlonireland.com.