TriAthlone and Trifest this weekend

TriAthlone - Saturday 18th July 2009
Waterways Ireland triAthlone will see over 2,500 athletes take to the River Shannon and the streets of Athlone in what is the largest triathlon ever staged in Ireland and one of the top 10 races in Europe.

The Swim
The swim starts on the Connaught side of the River Shannon, beside transition area at the Athlone Boat Club. The spectacular 54m Inland & Coastal Marina Systems Pontoon will again form the focal point of swim entry. For the Sprint-Distance race, athletes will swim 350m down and then back up stream. For the Olympic-Distance age group race athletes will complete the same loop as the sprint except that they will continue past the pontoon, upriver, under the railway bridge and then back down the river to exit at the pontoon. The ITU european cup race, athletes will do the sprint swim course twice. Try a triathlon participants will enter the water 200m upstream from the swim exit. Should the river current be strong an alternate downstream swim will be arranged for everyone.

The Bike Race
The course this year will be held on fully closed roads. The course sets off from Transition on Grace Road, and continues out the rolling Roscommon roads to the picturesque village of Brideswell and then back. Olympic distance athletes will complete 2 laps of this bike course. Elite athletes will complete a fast tight shorter 8 lapped course taking in the castle and west side of the town.

The Run
The most exciting part of the race is the run route. The narrow town centre streets of Old-Athlone's "Left-Bank"" plays host to the event once again. Athletes will complete 2 laps (sprint) and 4 laps (Olympic) of a 2.5k route that starts in the province of Connaught. Athletes run past Athlone's historical Castle, down and back up Grace Road along the banks of the River Shannon, before crossing into Leinster and onto Church Street where the Finish, Recuperation and Baggage-Drop area is at the Civic Centre Plaza in the shadow of the stunning new Athlone Town Centre. This route will create a fantastic atmosphere as spectators will see athletes a total of 3 times every lap.

Read more about TriAthlone at www.triathlone.com


Trifest - Thursday 16th July to Sunday 19th July 2009
Athlone's biggest ever summer festival at a specially constructed 10,000 sq. ft. marquee in Athlone Civc Square. Over 18’s only - ID will be required.

Thursday 16th July:
Got House? The Midland's Biggest Dance Music Event, featuring Aural Asylum and iRadio DJs with Freechild performing Live on Stage! Amazing Light and Sound Show.
Doors open 8pm. Tickets €10 on the door (all tickets for Thursday for sale on the door only).

Friday 17th July:
Twisted Logic, Gorilla Radio, The Blizzards.
Doors open 7pm. Tickets €25 plus booking fee.

Saturday 18th July:
Mundy, Hogan.
Doors open 8pm. Tickets €25 plus booking fee.

Sunday 19th July:
Family Fun Day
2-6pm.
Dancers and Local Ceili Band 'The Young Wolfe Tones'
Doors open 8pm. Tickets €10 plus booking fee.

Buy a combo ticket for Friday and Saturday night and get both for €40 plus booking fee. Tickets on sale from Friday 3rd July at Music World in Athlone.

The organisers reserve the right to refuse admission at front door. Patrons are advised to come early.

Read more about Trifest events at www.trifest.ie


Road Closure Notice for TriAthlone 2009
Download Athlone Road Closure Traffic Notice for TriAthlone 2009