Dublin is to host its first Ironman triathlon next summer, following negotiations between the event rights holders and Dublin City Council, backed by Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Leo Varadkar.
The race will consist of a 1.2 mile swim in the Irish Sea, a 56 mile bike ride around the Wicklow mountains and a half marathon through the streets of Dublin culminating in a finish at Merrion Square.
It will make for a busy few weeks in the city if this year’s major events are held again. The Croke Park Classic featuring Penn State University on August 30th is preceded by the Dublin Rock ‘n Roll Half Marathon on August 4th.
The provisional date for the Dublin Ironman event is August 9th, 2015.
Sports Tourism
All these events will expect to bring thousands of overseas competitors and visitors to the capital in what will be a real example of sports tourism in action for the city.
The Ironman event will be part of a 70 strong international series. Organisers are already talking about the prospect of Dublin hosting a full distance event in 2016.
There was no Ironman event in Ireland in 2013 after the same organisers withdrew from an event in Galway that had taken place in 2011 and 2012.
Fastest Growing
“Triathlon is one of the fastest growing sports in Ireland, and the Ironman brand is world-famous,” said Minister Varadkar.
“Hosting this global event will boost Ireland’s reputation as an outdoor adventure destination, and showcase Dublin city and its mountains and scenic bay. It will also be a boost to our efforts to get more people involved in sport, and grow the profile of triathlon in Ireland.”
“We are extremely proud and excited to be expanding the Ironman European Tour to Ireland,” added Thomas Dieckhoff, CEO of Ironman Europe, Middle East and Africa.
“Dublin has a heritage of hosting major sporting events and offers a perfect platform for us. We look forward to a long and successful partnership as we grow Ironman in Ireland – with the possibility of adding a full distance Ironman triathlon in 2016.”
“Today’s announcement is of tremendous importance to Dublin in terms of the economic value of an event like this for the host city,” said Dublin Lord Mayor Oisin Quinn.
“Thousands of athletes from all over the world take part in these races and I am delighted to have been instrumental in bringing these two events to Dublin and realising one of my primary objectives during my term of office as Lord Mayor of Dublin.”
Estimates for the value of similar events in Frankfurt and Copenhagen have come in at around €8-9 Million for the host city and the businesses that will benefit.
