2016 Reviewed – Aquathlon Champs

The 2016 National Aquathlon Championships were held in what was without doubt one of the most spectacular settings for a race in Ireland. The country’s best swim-runners came to Castlewellan forest park for a aquathlon raced in perfect conditions – a calm lake, blue skies and fast trails for the run section.

In the men’s race Harry Speers won one of the hardest fought aquathlon events in recent memory – with a mere 19secs separating first from third by the time the podium athletes had all crossed the finish line. For much of the race it looked like uber swimmer Brian Harris might just pull off a stunning victory, as he led from the swim, in to T1 and for most of the 5km run. In the end, Harris could be happy with second however as he finished just 2 seconds ahead of the finishing Odhran McKane.  

Men’s Podium Overall

The women’s podium had a familiar look to it for followers of the aquathlon championships as Carolyn Hayes retained her title for the second year running ahead of Heather Foley. Between them Foley and Hayes would go on to win four out of the six national championship medals up for grabs during the 2016 season (and that’s excluding the Super Series where they occupied the top two spots).

Special mention also to Orla Walsh, whose third place finish showed that at the age of just 17 she is already delivering on her potential.

Women’s Podium Overall

You can read our race report from the Aquathlon Championships here. Next year the champs will be headed to Athlone where the swimming will take place in the  River Shannon.

All the Age group medalists from the Aquathlon Championships will be presented with their silverwear at the 2016 Triathlon Ireland Awards Night in the Marker Hotel. Tickets are selling fast – to get yours call the TI office on 011 274103.   

Men’s Age Group Medalists

Women’s Age Group Medalists