The P&O triathlon passed off successfully at the weekend with a record entry of just short of 130 starting the race.

The race itself was a keenly fought contest with the reining champion and favourite Brian Campbell trailing by a colossal 50m metres after the swim leg to David Graham.  The sizeable gap had increased to over a minute by the end of the gruelling cycle leg where the cyclists had to endure a virtual head wind for the majority of the hilly course.  But by the end of the 5km cross country course the pre-event favourite had come out on top with a blistering time of 14minutes and 8 seconds for the final leg to record on overall time for the event of 59minutes and 34 seconds to record a new course record.  David Graham came in a close second with a time of 1hour and 30 seconds and Matthew Wilson took the third placing with a time of 1 hour 5 minutes and seven seconds.  “I was a bit surprised to be so far behind after the swim and cycle, but knew I would have him on the run!” Brian exclaimed.

The ladies event was less of a contest with Claire Connor racing home in a time of 1hour 10 minutes and 27 seconds and putting the majority of the men to shame finishing 9th in the whole competition.

But the whole event wasn’t all about achieving record times; it was the sense of achievement in completing the event.  “The sport of triathlon is going from strength to strength and it is great to see so many people taking up the challenge and just completing such a gruelling event!” said Dean Holmes Sports Development Officer.
“It is hoped to build on the success of this year and I’m sure next year will go from strength to strength!” Dean added.

Congratulations to all who took up the challenge of this years event and all concerned in organising this years event look forward to seeing them and many more next year!

For other pictures of the event please log onto www.photosportireland.co.uk

For additional information on sports development in Newtownabbey contact:
Dean Holmes Sports, Development Officer on 02890340065 or via e mail on dholmes@newtownabbey.gov.uk or visit our website on www.newtownabbey.gov.uk