Young ones take dip in Castlewellan Lake

Young ones take dip in Castlewellan Lake

3 October 2012

A LARGE group of young athletes braved the chilly waters of Castlewellan Lake to take part in the Mourne Aquathlon on Saturday.

The event, which was in aid of Save the Children, was organised by Lecale ASC head coach Brendan Mulholland in conjunction with Triathlon Ireland and Olympia Triathlon Club in Belfast.

The Aquathlon ran alongside the 500-plus adult event, the Mourne Olympic Triathlon.

On arrival at registration entrants were presented with a Mourne Aquathlon hoody or polo-shirt which was donned with pride ahead of the race briefing.

Despite the sunshine the lake was cold and choppy, wetsuits were compulsory and, although entrants were there to race, the main focus was on enjoying and completing the event.

There was a good turn-out in all age groups and the Under 10s took to the water first with a 50m swim and 400m run. Nervous parents shouted their support from the lakeside and wondered were their kids fit for the cold, cold depths.

They needn’t have worried. Having circled the canoe marking the halfway point, the youngsters were still looking strong heading for the transition point. Wetsuits off and shoes on they took off for the 400m run.

Probably the most outstanding swim-run was completed by young wheelchair user Andrew Greer. Andrew’s determination and talent shone through and nobody underestimated his effort or achievement.

Next in were the 11-13s and 14-16s in a combined heat, with a 100m swim followed by 800m and 1200m runs respectively.

Almost immediately a spearhead developed with Paddy Erskine, Daniel Molloy, Niamh Rogers, Laura Murphy and Diarmuid Curran leading the way.

Paddy made it to the slipway first with Daniel and Niamh just a step behind him. Laura was the first girl out of the water and stayed strong throughout the event. The two or three lap runs gave spectators a further chance to cheer on the competitors.

Overall, the event was a great success. Swimmers’ safety was taken care of by beach lifeguards Conor Boden and Rory McMullan in the water along with kayak-based lifeguards.

All finishers received a medal and well-packed goody bag, sponsored by McConvey Cycles and awards were presented to those who finished in the top three places in each category. Full results will be posted soon on www.lecaleswimclub.weebly.com.

U-10 boys: 1st Flynn Ryan.

U-10 girls: 1st Kate McCauley, 2nd Anna Maria Lundy, 3rd Philippa Cleave.

Para-triathlele award: Andrew Greer.

Award of Merit: Fionn McKibbin.

11-13 years boys: 1st Daniel Molloy, 2nd Diarmuid Curran, 3rd Paul Smyth.

11-13 years girls: 1st Laura Murphy, 2nd Amy Godfrey, 3rd Katie Lundy.

14-16 years boys: 1st Paddy Erskine, 2nd Conor Mahoney.

14-16 years girls: 1st Ellen Erskine, 2nd Niamh Rogers, 3rd Orla McCartan.