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International triathlon set to generate €7m for Galway
An international triathlon will take place in Galway in 2015, providing an estimated windfall of €7 million to the city and county towns and villages.
The award-winning ‘Challenge Family’ triathlon will be held in mid-June of 2015 and is expected to attract around 1,600 competitors.
It’s understood it will be part of a five-year programme for the event to be held in Galway.
We revealed last September that discussions were ongoing to bring the event to Galway – it will take the same route as the Ironman event which previously took place in the city and county.
That means that the likes of Moycullen and Oughterard will also be set to benefit, with fete events organised to welcome the competitors and for the locals alike while main roads are closed.
City councillor Michael Crowe – who was involved in the Challenge Family negotiations – told the Tribune that the event will provide a significant boost for Galway.
“It’s a win-win for the city and county. Economic studies show that participants in these type of events spend more than regular visitors to the city. We expect there will be between 1,500 and 1,600 participants, with the cut-off point being 2,000.
“The event is being opened up 12 months in advance to allow participants include it in their schedules. It will take place in mid-June, subject to licensing, but I don’t envisage any difficulties with that.
“This is the first time that ‘Challenge’ has come to the island of Ireland, and it’s a huge international brand that will attract a high calibre of athlete.
“It’s part of a five-year programme, and the organisers will be looking for public funding on a sliding scale for the five years. For 2015, they will require approximately €30,000 and this figure will reduce over the five years until it becomes self-sufficient.
“It will be a big boost for Galway … participants usually come over three or four days in advance to acclimatise themselves and become familiar with the route, and many bring family members too. There will be a significant proportion of non-local participants that will require hotel accommodation, food etc.” said Cllr Crowe.
An economic impact study commissioned by the Western Development Commission found that the unconnected 2011 Ironman (which had 2,164 athletes) in Galway generated a €10m boost locally. Based on those figures, the new triathlon could generate up to €7m.