Triathlon weighs in with €1m boost for Galway

Organisers are predicting an influx of 25,000 people to the city for the Challenge Galway epic triathlon in a fortnight, with two open air concerts expected to create a mini-Volvo Ocean Race atmosphere.

Over 1,700 athletes will swim in Oranmore, take a ride along the Wild Atlantic Way from the Cliffs Of Moher to the Burren Geopark before hitting the streets of Galway, with a finish at the festival epicentre on the docks.

With just a handful of slots left in the competition – taking place June 24-26 – hotels are solidly booked out, with the race tipped to generate over €1m in spending for the city.

The 225km course will feature Salthill triathlete Kevin Thornton, who is sure to attract huge local support.

There will be a health centred expo village erected at the docks on the former ‘Topaz’ site with food and drinks stalls open for business.

The inaugural Rock the Docks concert will be staged on Friday and Saturday night, with top Irish bands The Riptide Movement and The Strypes headlining. Tickets cost €15 for both concerts which feature an array of support acts.

There will also be a free line up of local musical acts on stage from midday on Sunday.

“This is year one of this event in Galway and we are delighted to see all the race disciplines have sold out. We are hoping this can now be permanent fixture on the Galway festival calendar,” explained Liam Heavin CEO Challenge Galway.

“It is about much more than just a race, it is a weekend to celebrate in Galway through music, food and sport. The main stage acts are going to raise the roof in terms of entertainment and this will also make for a very special finish for all participants on the Saturday.”

Around 70% of athletes signed up for Galway are Irish, with the remainder mainly coming from Britain and the United States.

The course kicks off with a 3.9km swim beside the Galway Bay Sailing Club in Rinville, Oranmore, followed by a 180km bike ride south towards Corkscrew Hill and Doolin and back in through the Wild Atlantic Way.

There will be a transition area at the Docks, and then a running loop totalling 42km to Salthill and through the city centre.