The Lough Cutra Race
Race 1 – Lough Cutra Castle Triathlon - Sunday 3rd June 2012
This date marks the beginning of the Markel Castle Triathlon Series 2012 and plays host to our finest and newest castle – Lough Cutra. This first race sets the scene for a competitive and fun series, hosted within the beautiful grounds and surrounding area of stunning South Galway.
The weekend coincides with Bank Holidays in both the UK and Ireland with the UK one being a double bank holiday due to the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations. It is also the first weekend of the UK school half term.
All races at Lough Cutra Castle start by launching into an open water swim in the iridescent lake, transitioning into the technical cycle route that circumnavigates Lough Cutra itself in a 20KM loop. There will be one cycle lap for the Sprint and two laps for both the Mid and Olympic distances. Similarly, the run passes through the stunning estate grounds and deer park and has one lap for the Sprint and two laps for the Mid-Distance and Olympic races. The race culminates with a sprint through the grand stables and down the main drive to the finish in front of Lough Cutra Castle itself!
Lough Cutra Made Easy!
We've done all the work for you, you just need to come and enjoy the Race! See attached documents to find a comprehensive list of accommodation in the area and details on travel options. Lough Cutra Accommodation (62.5 KB) Lough Cutra Travel Information (101.0 KB)
Triathlon Ireland Sanctioned Race
This year's Lough Cutra Castle Triathlon will be a Triathlon Ireland Assured Sanctioned Race. As such we will be receiving assistance from Triathlon Ireland technical officials on the day and in the run up to the event.
All competitors must show their Triathlon Ireland or British Triathlon Federation membership card at registration. If you do not have your membership card, please contact the relevant office at least one week prior to the race so that they can post out a card to you. If you do not have a Full, Student or Junior membership card, you must pre-purchase a One Day Licence through the Triathlon Ireland website. This must be purchased by midnight the Thursday before the race. Any competitor who cannot show their Triathlon Ireland membership card or a One Day Licence at registration, will not be allowed to race as they will not be covered by the Triathlon Ireland insurance policy. Due to the relatively high cost of entry and because it is an inaugural triathlon we will re-imburse you the cost of this One Day Licence when you present yourself at Registration.
This event is sanctioned by the governing body for triathlons and related events in Ireland, Triathlon Ireland (TI). The race therefore complies with well established rules including safety regulations, race organisation guidelines and provision of third party insurance cover. TI nominated officials attend every sanctioned event to ensure these standards are fully adhered to. Further details can be provided as required or reviewed at www.triathlonireland.com
Triathlon Ireland Day Licence - Important information!
If you decide to race at Lough Cutra Castle and are not a TI, BTF or FFT (British Triathlon Federation or French Federation Triathlon) member, you will need to purchase a TI One Day Licence in order to secure your place. We will reimburse you in full on the day of the race. Please bring a copy of the confirmation with you on the day. This only applies to adult races. For more information, please visit https://www.triathlonireland-newserver.com/purchase-odl.html
The Race Distances and Pricing
To compete in the Lough Cutra Castle Triathlon you can enter either as an individual, a relay team of two, or a relay team of three. The Junior and Children’s races follow the same format. Relay entries can be all male, all female or mixed.
If you would like to enter (but not compete) as a family, by entering the Sprint or Olympic distance for two adults and any three Junior or Children's entries you will be rewarded on price.
Training
If you or your children are new to the sport or you simply want to get some advice on improving technique then we recommend that you take advantage of our training set-up. Partnered with thetrilife.com, one of the UK's leading triathlon training providers, we offer a range of training programs and training days at our stunning castle venues. For more information please click here.
Juniors and Children's Races
Juniors and Children’s races take place within the Castle grounds and swim in the same lake as the adults. The cycle course is technical and the run takes in the castle gardens and monuments. The races are not only exciting, but are marshaled and timed as professionally as the Sprint, Mid-Distance and Olympic races. These races are designed for the ‘real’ experience with as much fun as the adult course. Please note that the children will remain on the estate throughout the whole race and will need mountain/ cyclo-cross bikes to navigate the off road cycle course.
Travel and Accommodation
Traveling across the Irish Sea just got easier! Our Travel Partner, Stena Line is offering triathletes taking part in the Lough Cutra Triathlon, and their families, 10% discount on their Economy, Flexi & Premium motorist fares on all Stena Line Irish Sea routes.
"Our best fares are online and booking could not be easier. Log on to www.stenaline.co.uk/event. A unique code has been specifically assigned to Castle Triathlon competitors. Enter 'CASTLE' as your first name, 'TRIATHLON' as your surname and '2012event' as your event number as per below. Then go on to make your booking in the normal way selecting which fare suits your need.
First Name: CASTLE
Surname: TRIATHLON
Event Number: 2012event
Please view our quick reference guide to travel. Travel Information to Ireland 2012_1.xls (101.0 KB)
This link will give you directions from Shannon Airport to Lough Cutra
See our comprehensive list off local accommodation. LoughCutraAccomodation_3.xls (62.5 KB)
The Lady Gregory Hotel our official Accommodation Partner, just 20 minutes from Shannon Airport and 2 minutes from Lough Cutra, is the ideal place to base yourself for the weekend. http://www.ladygregoryhotel.ie
Accommodation at Lough Cutra Castle: http://www.loughcutra.com/index.php?page=cottage-rental-galway
County Galway Guide: http://gort.galway-ireland.ie/lough-cutra-castle.htm
Camping will be available at the Castle. The campsite is in a beautiful family friendly spot adjacent to the stables and main house and a hop skip and a jump from the lake. Toilets and shower facilities will be available.
For camper van and caravan owners, there are no facilities for electric hook-up or the disposal of human waste.
Access to the Castle and Gardens
Access to the Estate grounds is free for spectators. The Castle is a private residence but the stunning gardens will be open to the public.
Parking
There will be parking within the Estate grounds. There is no charge to park however a donation towards our local charity will be much appreciated. Please follow the race day parking signs for “Triathlon Car Park” – this will enable access onto the estate via a service road. The main drive will be used for the cycle route section of the race.
Start Times
Each adult race will be split into waves setting off at 10-20 minute intervals. The likely timings for the day (although subject to change by the organisers) are as follows:
8.00am The Lough Cutra (Olympic Distance)
9.00am The Prendergast (Mid-Distance)
9.45am The Viscount Gough (Sprint)
2.00pm The Teal (13-15yrs)
2.30pm The Cormorant (11-12yrs)
3.00pm The Widgeon (8-10yrs)
Entrants will be notified of their wave time in their race pack. Depending on numbers there will be multiple waves for each age group. We advise that entrants arrive at least 1 hour before their wave time.
On the Day
On the day there will be food and drink outlets as well as an array of retail and sampling stalls.
Course Maps
Please see the technical course maps of the routes on and off the estate. Full pdf versions can be downloaded below.
Lough Cutra Castle Cycle 2012 (2.9 MB)
Lough Cutra Castle Site Map 2012 (2.9 MB)
Water Quality Testing
The water quality tests for 2012 for Lough Cutra Castle will be posted on the website. All tests are undertaken using the EU Water Bathing Directive as the benchmark.
Water Temperature
This will be taken nearer the Event. Wet suits will be optional on race day if the water temperature is between 15 and 23 degrees centigrade.
Driving Directions to the Castle
From Dublin:
Follow the N6 for Galway. At Loughrea avoid the bypass signposted for Gort, but head straight on into the town. At the end of the town turn left at the Westbridge onto the N66 signposted for Gort. Entering Gort turn left at the T Junction onto the N18. After c. 2 miles there is a small road to the left. Take this and immediately in front of you are the Main Gates to Lough Cutra Castle.
From Shannon:
Take the N66 northbound for Ennis and Galway. After Ennis continue through Crusheen. After c. 5 miles there is a small car sales forecourt. Take the next right turn onto a small road (c. 0.75 miles) and the main entrance to Lough Cutra Castle is on your right.
| Date | Race Name | Race Distance | Race Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3rd June 2012 | Adult Individual Olympic - The Lough Cutra | 1500m/40km/10km | £70.00 |
| Adult Olympic Relay - The Lough Cutra Relay | 1500m/40km/10km | £135.00 | |
| Adult Individual Mid-Distance - The Prendergast | 800m/40km/8km | £60.00 | |
| Adult Mid-Distance Relay-The Prendergast Relay | 800m/40km/8k | £120.00 | |
| Adult Individual Sprint - The Viscount Gough | 400m/20km/4km | £50.00 | |
| Adult Sprint Relay - The Viscount Gough Relay | 400m//20km/4km | £95.00 | |
| Junior (13-15 yrs) - The Teal | 300m/8km/4km | £35.00 | |
| Children (11-12 yrs) - The Cormorant | 200m/4km/2km | £30.00 | |
| Children (8-10 yrs) - The Widgeon | 100m/4km/1.3km | £25.00 | |
| Junior and Children's Relay | All Distances | £45.00 | |
| Family Entry (2 adults, 3 children | All Distances | £175.00 | |
| Family Entry (2 adults, 2 children) | All Distances | £150.00 | |
