Who We Are:
The Midland Triathlon Club (MTC) Mullingar came into existence on December
14th 2006. Triathlon is a sport which involves the three disciplines of swimming,
cycling and running. There are various distances that races can cover from
Sprint distance – 750 meter swim, 20 kilometre bike and 5 kilometre run – to
long distance such as an Ironman – 3.86 kilometre swim, 180.25 kilometre
bike and 42.2 kilometre run.
The MTC currently have 140 members. We are strongly orientated towards
community development through our various activities. These activities
include training sessions, Triathlon Ireland sanctioned races, Junior
Development, family fun events and of course social activities.
Community and Family Events:
The community aspect of our development is strongly embedded within the
culture of the club. On December 14th 2011 we had a Family Fun Day in
Mullaghmeen Forest just outside of Mullingar. This day involved a relay race for
adults and a series of children’s activities based around running and cycling. We
also had a visit from the big man in red himself - Santa Claus –who gave out
selection boxes to all the children present.
On January 22nd 2012 the club hosted another fun event ‘Run, Forest, Run.’ This
took place locally in Tudenham and was once again aimed at parents and children.
There was a run, bike, run race for the adults once again followed by a series of
mini races for the children.
Junior Development:
The first ever Kidathon was organised by MTC in 2008. This is aimed at juniors
aged 8 years old to 18 years old. It takes place in Bloomfield House Hotel where
up to 200 children have taken part every year. Children are exposed to the benefits
and enjoyment of taking part in sports. They are encouraged and cheered for their
own participation. This event consists of a swim determined by age group
followed by a run which is once again determined by age group. All the children
receive medals and t-shirts as mementos of their participation. The entry fee is
deliberately kept to a minimum in order to encourage entrants and leave the race
open to all. It should be noted that MTC annually runs this race at a major deficit
but it is nevertheless one of the highlights of our calendar and is one of the most
popular events organised by MTC.
This year the club has plans to develop and encourage children in small scale
participatory events.
MTC Races:
The month of June is an extremely busy month for the MTC. First up we run a
series of Aquathons in Lilliput Adventure Centre on the shores of Lough Ennell.
An aquathon is a 750 metre swim followed by a 4 kilometre run. This initially
small event has burgeoned over the years and now attracts up to 120 entrants from
around the midlands. It is a fine opportunity for us to show off the natural beauty
that Mullingar has to offer!
Also taking place in June is the Fighting Cancer Triathlon in the beautiful
surrounds of Belvedere House and Gardens, Mullingar. This is a sprint distance
triathlon and all of the proceeds go to cancer research. This race could not take
place without the efforts and help of the MTC members and indeed the family and
friends who are not part of the club. There is a strong social aspect to the races as
family and friends turn out in their hundreds to support this great event. This race
is known to have opened the door to many current triathletes and paved their
journey into the sport of triathlon.
The last major race in our calendar is the Caroline Kearney Memorial Triathlon
which takes place in Lilliput on the shores of Lough Ennell. This is a National
Series event which means it is part of Triathlon Ireland’s year long league to
determine the top triathletes in Ireland. Over 200 triathletes from all over the
country descend on Mullingar to take part. It is race that is superbly organised and
run and this is due to the hard work of the MTC members who ensure that this
race is seen as must for all serious triathletes. It is a great spectacle for all to
watch.
Training events
MTC host a series of SuperSprint training events from early February to late
September. This is a series of short runs and bikes and swimming which are
primarily training events. They are run like mini triathlons but are free to
members and to guests who sign on. This is a great opportunity for newcomers to
decide if they want to join the Club. These normally run every two weeks in
Lilliput and are usually attended by about 50 people taking part. The series serves
a strong community aspect as the after race chat, tea and scone usually goes on for
longer than the race itself.
We strive to bring a strong sense of community, health and enjoyment to all
triathletes in the Mullingar area and from which they can draw new connections
and support. Members bring their children along who once again see the benefits
of exercise and a healthy outdoor lifestyle. The impact of such exposure cannot be
measured but we can assume that it will be of benefit to the next generation of
triathletes!
