VIDEO: Dreams come true at ‘Hell Of The West’ triathlon

Over 1000 competitors swam, biked and ran their way through the ‘Hell Of The West’ triathlon in Kilkee last weekend - the 30th edition of the event. The race began with a 1500m sea swim around Kilkee Bay, a 44 km bike along sections of the Wild Atlantic Way before a tough 10km run to finish.

The Triathlon Ireland Standard Distance National Championships is one of the longest running events in the country, attracting some 1000 competitors and large crowds.

Competitors were greeted by sunny skies and calm conditions and Corkman Owen Cummins, on the comeback trail after two years of injury got off to the perfect start as he exited the water in the lead, clocking just over 17mins 30secs.

Recent graduate form the TI Junior Squad, Aaron O’Brien from Limerick emerged from the water on his toes but a quick dash up the beach followed by a smooth transition saw O’Brien take the lead.

Medical student and former swimmer Carolyn Hayes showed her class in the water as she covered the distance in 18:48, establishing a healthy lead over the competition in the women’s race.

Onto the bike and O’Brien continued to push the pace however came under pressure as Charles Maltha, who emerged from the water some 3mins 30secs down began to blaze a trail through the field. The Base2Race athlete posted the fastest bike split of the day as he averaged a shade over 40kph over the rolling course. The battle for the top 10 was heating up as a whole host of athletes came off the bike within 2 minutes of each other, facing into the 10 kilometre footrace.

Much like the men’s race, the leader Carolyn Hayes was seeing her advantage disappear as the uber bikers behind closed in. Sprint Distance National Champion Katie Cooke had taken 2mins 30secs out of Hayes and they entered T2 almost together. Joyce Wolfe, a former Irish Ironman Record Holder was also in contention and a threat with her strong running pedigree.

However despite the pressure from behind both O’Brien and Hayes managed to retain their leads winning in a time of 2:03:54 and 2:17:19 respectively.

“I’ve dreamed of winning Hell of the West” O’Brien told reporters after the race. When you see the names who’ve won it before like Gavin Noble and Bryan Keane. I didn't think it was going to be today but I’m delighted and want to thank everyone for their support.”

Carolyn Hayes was equally delighted with her result having only just taken up triathlon 2 years ago.

“As a former swimmer I was kind of disappointed that the sea was like glass, I would have liked a few swells to weed out the competitors but it just worked out, I had one of those perfect swim days.”

Charles Maltha finished 2nd in the men’s race in a time of 2:04:21 with Mark Horan 3rd in 2:05:13. The podium slots in the ladies race were completed by Katie Cooke taking 2nd in a time of 2:17:42 and Joyce Wolfe 3rd in 2:17:58.

The race was organised by Limerick Triathlon Club with the support of the local community and volunteers.