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Nearly 190 competitors challenged each other over the Spalding Liam Ball Sprint Triathlon course, the largest entry yet in the history of the race organised by the NorthWest Triathlon Club. 30 lengths, 750m, of the pool were followed by a long transition down to the racked bikes before cycling towards Letterkenny. After completing the 20km cycle, bikes were deposited and athletes entered the final 5km run leg. The huge turnout provided top quality racing and exciting viewing for the numbers of spectators.
The men’s race saw defending champion Brian Campbell claim pole position in 1hr 1min 1sec. His phenomenal run time, 16mins 23seconds for 5km, boosted him to leading position and regain his title, winner of the Spalding Liam Ball, for a second year. Stephen Teeling Lynch had the fastest bike leg, 31 mins 31secs, and was second across the line in a total time of 1hr 2mins and 17secs. Claiming third position in the men’s race was Steven Beggs in a time of 1hr 4mins 5secs.
The women’s race started early in the day being let off in the second wave at 9.35am. Vanessa Fenton was first woman home in a time of 1hr 10mins 31secs, her consistently strong three phases proved to be a winner over the Spalding Liam Ball course. Second in was Judith Lowry, with the quickest bike and run time of the ladies, she finished in a total time of 1hr 11mins 08secs. Sinead Roche was third to cross the line in 1 hr 11mins 36secs.
Northwest Triathlon members did the club very proud. Daniel Quigley was the first home taking the first Local Male trophy and second in his age group. An impressive debut race from the Spaniard, Alvaro San Miguel saw him claim third in this age group and second home for the club. Emmett Mullan, Stephan Ballard, Jarlath Fearon, Frankie Dunlop and Peter McLaughlin all showed determination and a competitive spirit claimed prizes in their respective age groups.
Northwest Triathlon women also picked up a number of prizes in the Spalding Liam Ball. First women home for the club Maeve Maher-McWilliams took home the Local Lady’s trophy and second in her age group. Joanne Doran had a strong race claiming first position in her age group. Aoife Logan, Karen Cutliffe, Miriam McFadden and Roisin Lynch all put in great race performances taking placings in their age groups. Roisin was also awarded the new Colm Quigley Cup for Spirit of the race having completed 26 of the 27 annual Liam Ball races.
Two other regulars completing the event were Terry Donnelly and Danny Sheerin who have completed every one of the 27 Liam Ball races. Danny also took third in his age group. A great atmosphere and great racing all round made the 27th Spalding Liam Ball one to remember and one to bring the crowds back to next year.
