Arguably the finest castle in the series, Lough Cutra Castle provides a fitting backdrop for the curtain raiser of the Castle Triathlon Series.
With a very heavy heart we had to take the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Lough Cutra Castle event. Although hugely disappointing, we know that you, like us, understand that the safety of society at large and of each other is paramount at this time. Read see the read the official statement here
Our first race of the season sets the scene for a competitive and fun series, hosted within the beautiful grounds and surrounding area of stunning South Galway. With a triathlon, run or swim for everyone you can enjoy not only a race but a fabulous festival event village.
All of the races at Lough Cutra Castle kick-off with a swim in the stunning open-water lake, transitioning into a bike route which circumnavigates Lough Cutra itself. The half iron gauntlet cycle takes in the beautiful Burren national park. The event offers not only a chance to race but a festival atmosphere with live music, dancing, children’s entertainment, retailers and food.
Earn early National Series points on this truly iconic course in the West of Ireland. Swim 750m in the iridescent waters of Lough Cutra, before taking off onto the 5K off-road run around the manicured grounds of the privately owned castle.
This stunning course sets you up for a great season ahead. Swim the iridescent waters of Lough Cutra Castle (the largest privately owned lake in Europe) and then cycle through the Burren National Park enjoying the gentle rolling hills (and the infamous Corckscrew Hill) and the natural beauty of the world famous heritage site. Finish down the main driveway and cross the line in front of arguably the grandest castle in the West of Ireland.
This race format, taking place on Saturday afternoon, will see four person teams; two males and two females, each completing a 250m swim, 5km bike and 1.5km run as part of a tag team. (STRICTLY TO TT BIKES)
Mixed Relay has proven extremely popular with athletes of all standards and allows regular age groupers and more advanced athletes to race together. The minimum age requirement for athletes is 15 years. There is no upper limit upper age limit or ability for those taking part.
We are delighted to host the National Mixed Team Relay Club Championships for the fourth year running! The race will be run to ITU standards and all participants must hold a full TI Licence and team members must belong to the same club.
In 2020 Lough Cutra Castle, for the seventh year running will see The Gauntlet, a middle-distance race, push competitors to their limit via stunning 1.9km swim, 96km bike ride and 21km run.
This race distance had a hugely successful launch across the Series in 2014 with over 1000 sign ups. Since then it has gone from strength to iron strength doubling in size with hardened triathletes and newcomers to the triathlon side-by-side on the start line. In 2016 we were proud to host the Gauntlet as part of the Triathlon Ireland Vodafone National Series and in 2017 the Gauntlet offered 5 qualifying places in each Age Group for the 2018 ETU European Middle Distance Championships.
Competitors undertake this stunning off road spectator friendly estate loop (1 lap for the 10K, 3 laps for the Half Marathon). The first 3K of the circuit heads north from the castle lawns hand railing the western shore of the luminescent Lough Cutra Lake (largest privately owned lake in Europe). Following a system of well worn tracks and paths the route passes through the ubiquitous Deer Park and then into the Carrowcarriff forestry block with its ancient pines and abundant wildlife. At the northerly most point of the run competitors will pass a well stocked feed station before exiting the wood and hitting a narrow tarmac lane which they will follow for 800m. A left takes competitors back onto the estate tracks and paths and after crossing a couple of well worn fields runners will emerge onto Black Drive and head south back towards the formal gardens of the estate. With 1K of the circuit to go, track turns to tarmac at the internal estate drive, and finally runners pass through 2 iconic courtyards before arriving at the Castle forecourt with 1 lap complete! The finish takes place in front of the castle to rapturous applause, well deserved medal and the now famous finish line atmosphere and post-race treats.
The swim only event provides the choice of three different distances: 5km 2.5km and 1mile (see price table below) and boasts a unique and stunning swim route in all the stunning castle lakes.
The swim described by many triathletes as the ‘best open water swim ever completed’ will now be open to outdoor swimmers as an event in its own right.
One mile leisure and family swim
Enjoy the beautiful setting of Lough Cutra Castle at your own pace. Swim any stroke you like (breaststroke encouraged), swim and chat with friends as you go around. Don’t worry about how long it takes (however time limit set at 90 minutes), just enjoy it. Under 16s welcome if accompanied throughout by a competent responsible adult, however we do have a minimum age of 13.
If the thought of completing all three disciplines at once is holding you back from signing up to one of our events, our multisport distances could be perfect for you! Perhaps an injury is preventing you from running, you can’t get your hands on a bike for this summer or the idea of swimming in the lake is just too much. We have created the multisport events to allow our competitors to compete in two disciplines of your choice within our triathlons. The same stunning courses tailored to suit you!
Find out more about our Aquathlon, Duathlon and Aquabike distances below!
From jumping in a lake, cycling through woodland trails (or tarmac closed roads for 13 years +) and running around the exciting castle grounds, we pride ourselves on offering unforgettable, accessible races for all abilities of 8–17 year olds. We are delighted to be part of the Triathlon Ireland Youth and Cadet Series. Find out more here
Ensure you bring the correct bike for your junior event at the Lough Cutra Castle Triathlon:-
On Saturday all junior cycle routes, for the 13-17 years, will be tarmac closed roads. The TI Cadet & Youth Series will be draft legal event. All other other participants will be non draft legal.
On Sunday all junior cycle routes, for 8 – 12 years, will be multi terrain and we strongly advise the use of off road tyres. See our take part page for Junior Triathlon Tips and hints.
Scroll down for age group categories and distances. (Some of these have been changed for 2020 events).
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.
*Start times are approximate and shown here as a general guide. These are subject to change. Depending on number of participants, there may be multiple waves for each race distance separated by intervals from 15 up to 45 minutes.
Saturday Junior events (13-17 years) begin with DRAFT legal waves for TI Youth & Cadet Series participants (bike restrictions apply), followed by 13-14 years and 15 -17 years NON draft legal waves. All Saturday Junior cycle courses take place on full tarmac closed roads.
Entrants will be notified of their wave time via email 2 weeks prior to the event. We advise that entrants arrive at least 1 – 1.5 hours before their wave time. There’s an option to request specific waves during registration. Relays go off in the final wave of their distance.
*Start times are approximate and shown here as a general guide. These are subject to change. Depending on number of participants, there may be multiple waves for each race distance separated by intervals from 15 up to 45 minutes.
Sunday Junior cycle courses are NON DRAFT and take place on multi-terrain surfaces, therefore better suited to off road tyres.
Entrants will be notified of their wave time via email 2 weeks prior to the event. We advise that entrants arrive at least 1 – 1.5 hours before their wave time. There’s an option to request specific waves during registration. Relays go off in the final wave of their distance.
Congratulations to everyone who took part, we hope to see you next year! Find the 2019 Races Results here along with amazing shots of participant’s photography during the event.
If you have any queries please contact Stuweb Timing Solutions here.
For another year the 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.
On race day, ALL participants of a multi-discipline event are required to present their valid triathlon governing body (eg TI, BTF, FFT) membership card or One Day Licence. This ‘ODL’ must be purchased before the event from the TI website www.triathlonireland.com.
The spectator experience at the Castle Triathlon Series has become almost as famous as the spectacular backdrops and classic courses, and has made passing time before your loved ones finish the race a thing of the past.
Please read and understand the general rules, in particular the cut-off times, before competing to ensure a fantastic race for you and everyone else.
The water quality tests are taken regularly for Lough Cutra Castle’s lake. All tests are undertaken using the EU Water Bathing Directive as the benchmark.
For swim length up to 1500m wetsuits will be optional on race day if the temp remains between 14 and 22 degrees centigrade and over 1500m swim length wetsuits will be options between 15 and 23 degrees centigrade.
For the absolute beginners and children to the professional triathletes, the Castle Triathlon Series offers a wealth of race distances to suit all levels.
Hosted at a selection of stunning and iconic castles across the UK, Ireland and France, the Castle Triathlon Series events all promise an inspirational and memorable race experience.
We pride ourselves on offering a bespoke and tailored offering for all those wishing to take part; from first timers, old timers, juniors, female focus, elites, tri clubs, corporates, there’s a race for everyone!
Trade your time for a free race place! We offer a Volunteer Scheme, whereby a free race is given in return for a day’s marshalling at any one of the Castle Triathlon Series events. (terms apply)
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