Dublin’s second Ironman even was hailed a success by organisers after 2,000 competitors took part in the event that effectively closed the city for a period on Sunday morning.
1,000 of those who took part came from overseas. They represented 35 different nations and their details will have been captured as part of a scoping exercise being undertaken by Fáilte Ireland to determine the actual financial value of attracting sports tourists, both as participants and spectators.
“It’s fantastic to win the Ironman 70.3 Dublin race today,” said race winner Ben Collins from the US.
“I’ve got Irish family ties so it makes it extra special. I absolutely loved the course, and the weather is just like at home in Seattle. There was some great support and sights of Dublin along the route which was really encouraging.”
“It was a fantastic day for the race,” added Kevin Stewart, Managing Director of Ironman UK & Ireland.
“Weather conditions were ideal and the support along the route was incredible for our second Ironman here in Dublin.”
“We’d like to thank all the authorities in Dublin for enabling us to stage this IRONMAN 70.3 in Dublin and to all the athletes, spectators and volunteers who played such a key role in making the event such a success today.”
There were 400 volunteers who made the race possible, mainly drawn from local triathlon clubs.
Image credit: Inpho.ie
