2021 IRONMAN Ireland, Cork and IRONMAN 70.3 Ireland, Cork Postponed to 2022 – Published 20/5/2021
Ireland’s Largest Triathlon Festival Weekend Postponed until 2022
After careful consideration of the status of Covid-19 and the associated public health restrictions, we regret to announce that IRONMAN Ireland, Cork and IRONMAN 70.3 Ireland, Cork cannot take place this August and has been rescheduled for August 13th & 14th 2022. We acknowledge that this latest shift is not the news any of us were hoping to receive, but in alignment with local stakeholders the event will be better positioned in August of 2022. We remain just as focused on creating an exceptional race in the future and our team will continue to work hard developing and refining operational plans in a manner consistent with local community objectives.
In positive news, The IRONMAN Group and Cork County Council have agreed a new three-year host venue agreement to ensure that IRONMAN Ireland, Cork and IRONMAN 70.3 Ireland, Cork will happen annually in Youghal until 2024.
Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr. Mary Linehan Foley remarked that
“Securing the honour of hosting IRONMAN in 2019 was a huge boost, not only for Youghal, but for Cork County as a whole. The decision to postpone the event in 2020 and 2021 puts the interest of the community and its prospective visitors first and foremost. Cork County Council and the IRONMAN organisers have agreed to hold the race in 2022, 2023 and 2024 giving everyone the opportunity to enjoy this fantastic event and the wonderful town of Youghal safely. As Mayor of the County of Cork and as a proud Youghal woman I can assure athletes and spectators from around the world that they will be treated to the best of hospitality for these festival weekends.”
Chief Executive of Cork County Council Tim Lucey noted;
“Cork County Council, together with IRONMAN, have agreed to host the legendary athletic challenge in Youghal for 3 further years from 2022. This decision best accommodates athletes, spectators and residents of the town, enabling everyone involved to plan with certainty and maximise the incredible opportunities this event presents. This successful partnership between Cork County Council and IRONMAN in delivering an international headline event in spite of the challenges faced is a testament to both organisations and the communities that we work alongside.”
Regional Director of the UK and Ireland for The IRONMAN Group, Declan Byrne commented;
“We’re delighted to continue our successful partnership with Cork County Council renewing Youghal and East Cork as the host venue for IRONMAN for the next three years. Disappointing as it is not to get to race in Cork in 2021 due to prevailing public health restrictions, we know that when our athletes return to race at Ireland’s Largest Triathlon Festival Weekend from 2022 onward, an amazing experience and second to none local support and welcome awaits them”
We thank our athletes for their continued understanding and look forward to returning with a great event next year.
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The IRONMAN Group returns to Cork in 2021 with Ireland’s largest triathlon weekend! – Published 14.9.2020
New IRONMAN 70.3 Ireland, Cork on August 14, 2021 joins IRONMAN Ireland, Cork, on August 15, for a massive triathlon festival in Youghal, Co Cork on the Emerald Isle. General registration to open September 16, 2020.
CORK / LONDON,(September 14, 2020) – Today, the IRONMAN Group and Cork County Council announced the addition of IRONMAN® 70.3® Ireland, Cork, on August 14, 2021. The race joins the existing IRONMAN Ireland, Cork on August 15, 2021. Together they will form Ireland’s biggest triathlon weekend, which also includes an IRONKIDS® event on Friday, August 13. It marks the first time in Irish triathlon history that three events by the IRONMAN Group will be hosted on the same weekend. The inaugural IRONMAN Ireland, Cork event took place in June 2019. The date has since shifted to August.
“Cork and Youghal hold a special place in our hearts ever since the inaugural edition of IRONMAN Ireland, Cork in 2019. It was a race you had to be there to believe. People didn’t seem to care about the adverse weather conditions – they were out in the street, celebrating, cheering on the athletes and bringing each and every one of them home to the finish line. If there is one place on earth that deserves a massive triathlon festival, it is this one. We are extremely thankful to return to this community on a new date and with an additional event delivering a huge tourism and economic boost to the area,” said Declan Byrne, Regional Director IRONMAN UK & Ireland.
Last year, IRONMAN Ireland, Cork had an estimated impact of 6.32 million Euro on the region. The addition of IRONMAN 70.3 Ireland, Cork will increase that figure as 1,500 additional athletes are expected to compete over the weekend.
IRONMAN 70.3 Ireland, Cork will feature a 1.9km (1.2-mile) swim combined with a 90.1km (56-mile) breath-taking bike route that heads straight out into the rolling Irish countryside with a combination of flat and undulating roads with magnificent views. The course takes athletes through the scenic East Ferry, through the town of Midleton – home to the famous Jameson Distillery – into the buzzing town centre of Youghal, and up the infamous Windmill Hill, a spectator hotspot. The 21.1km (13.1-mile) flat and fast run course finishes in the historical town of Youghal, taking in Youghal Harbour and the famous Clock Gate Tower. Both events will share the same iconic finish line in bustling Market Square.
Mayor of the County of Cork Councillor Mary Linehan-Foley said, “Both as Mayor of the County of Cork and a proud Youghal resident, I am particularly thrilled to welcome these fantastic athletes and their supporters to my East Cork hometown. I have known all my life what a hidden gem Youghal and East Cork are and the addition of the IRONMAN 70.3 with this festival weekend will showcase the best that we have to offer on a worldwide stage. In 2019, Youghal and East Cork showcased the true meaning of community spirit and all athletes and their supporters can look forward to the same community spirit in August 2021 and during their training visits beforehand”
Alistair Brownlee, Winner of IRONMAN Ireland 2019 added, “The support from the locals was unparalleled; the climb on Windmill Hill is tough but became a highlight due to the atmosphere created by the spectators. The crowd support throughout the event is just phenomenal! It provides the motivation you need to get across that finish line.”
Speaking about the 2021 event, Chief Executive of Cork County Council Tim Lucey, said, “Cork County Council is especially proud to continue its relationship with IRONMAN with the addition of the IRONMAN 70.3. Today’s announcement means that we can all look forward to what promises to be a spectacular and unforgettable weekend in August 2021. This festival weekend will bring a significant economic boost to the local economy and promote Cork County as an international destination. This will be an event that invests in both people and place and I look forward to what will be an amazing experience for all.”
General registration for IRONMAN Ireland, Cork will open on Tuesday, September 16, 2020 at www.ironman.com/im703-ireland. Athlete inquiries may be directed to [email protected]
For more information on the IRONMAN brand and global event series, visit www.ironman.com
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IRONMAN IRELAND – Cork : 2020 Event-update: Published 20th April 2020
With the support of Cork County Council, IRONMAN Ireland has announced that, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 IRONMAN Ireland – Cork event, scheduled to take place in Youghal on June 21st will NOT go ahead this year. However, the date for the 2021 IRONMAN Ireland, Cork has been announced for August 15th 2021.
Cork County Council, while acknowledging the inevitable disappointment felt by many, today stated that the decision is the right one in a continually evolving situation across the world.
Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Tim Lucey said, “This is the only decision that could be made in these unforeseen circumstances. Efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19 have meant disruptions and cancellations to sporting events around the world. It is regrettable and disappointing for everyone involved that this event cannot go ahead in East Cork this summer but we can now look forward with anticipation to the 2021 IRONMAN Ireland, Cork race.”
Mr Lucey went on to say, “There are many positive upcoming developments for East Cork. While work on the Midleton Youghal Greenway is temporarily on pause, it will recommence as soon as COVID 19 restrictions are lifted. The 23km long Greenway will bring an important and timely boost to tourism across the County. Both Youghal and Midleton in particular will benefit. Good for the local economy, increasing tourist spend, supporting existing local businesses and encouraging new enterprise opportunities, it will also be a wonderful recreational resource for local communities. We can also look forward to the roll-out of Phase 2 of the Youghal Eco Boardwalk from Claycastle to Redbarn. Cork County Council has completed the procurement process and selected a contractor to commence works as soon as permitted under national guidelines relating to Covid 19. The existing boardwalk that runs from Front Strand to Claycastle will be extended by 1.1 km from the Claycastle car park as far as the Youghal Quality Hotel at Redbarn and will be another great amenity for the region.”
Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Ian Doyle commented, “I know many people have worked hard towards this big event. IRONMAN – Ireland is a hugely important event for Youghal, East Cork and the county generally. People are bound to be disappointed with the news, but it’s great to have the date for next summer to look forward to. For now we can look forward to working together to create an amazing spectacle and unforgettable event for IRONMAN 2021.”
All registered athletes of the 2020 IRONMAN Ireland, Cork triathlon have been contacted and will have their race registration automatically moved to the 2021 race date.
If you have further questions, please contact [email protected]
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IRONMAN IRELAND – Cork. Event-update. – Published 6th April 2020
Over the past weeks the IRONMAN teams across Europe, the Middle East and Africa have worked tirelessly with authorities, cities, governments and healthcare professionals to assess the schedule of more than 50 events in the regions set to take place until the end of 2020.
IRONMAN is committed to the safety and well-being of everyone in their race community and is following the recommendations of both public health agencies and local authorities during the Covid-19 pandemic. At this time, IRONMAN confirms that the IRONMAN Ireland Cork events cannot now take place as planned on June 21st 2020. This includes IRONKIDS Ireland – Cork on June 20th – 2020.
IRONMAN is working diligently to secure venues and a new race date. All registered athletes will receive an update on options by April 30, 2020.
The IRONMAN Ireland team offer huge thanks for your patience and understanding in this matter.
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Tri-Nations: Three countries – Three epic races!
Published on 6th March 2020
Complete the IRONMAN Tri-Nations – 3 epic races in 3 countries in 3 years
The IRONMAN races across the British Isles have earned a reputation for being some of the most challenging and unique races in the world. For the first time, the best of British, Irish and Welsh racing have combined to form the IRONMAN Tri-Nations: IRONMAN Ireland Cork, IRONMAN UK and IRONMAN Wales.
Complete these three races within a three-year period and earn the IRONMAN Tri-Nations trophy. Races completed from 2019 onward will count towards your Tri-Nations status and when you complete the two remaining races within the three-year time period, you will be eligible for the Tri-Nations Trophy.
Once you have registered for your third race in the series, within the eligible period, you will be notified ahead of the race that you are eligible to receive the Tri-Nations trophy if you finish the third race. You will need to finish each race to be awarded the trophy.
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IRONKIDS Comes to Cork Published on 29th January 2020
Youghal will be gearing up for an injection of youth this June as the IRONMAN Ireland, Cork weekend expands with the introduction of the country’s first ever IRONKIDS event.
IRONMAN Ireland today announced the addition of Ireland’s first ever IRONKIDS event to the IRONMAN Ireland, Cork weekend taking place Saturday 20 June 2020 in Youghal, Co. Cork.
The popular children’s event has been a staple at IRONMAN race weekends around the world, creating a festival atmosphere and providing an opportunity for children from in and around the host venues to be an active part of the race weekend. For the first time, IRONKIDS comes to Ireland as the town of Youghal in County Cork this year hosts the second edition of IRONMAN Ireland, Cork.
The event will take place on Saturday 20 June, the day before IRONMAN Ireland, Cork. IRONKIDS is all about participation and encouraging children towards a healthy, active lifestyle. As the emphasis is on fun and participation, every child is a winner. Each participant will receive an IRONKIDS shirt and finisher medal.
The run-only event involves multiple distances; 500m, 1000m and 1500m for children between the ages of 3 -15 years old. The routes take in the historic seaside resort town in County Cork with the Clock Gate Tower being a central focus point of the start area.
The event will start in the vicinity of the Clock Gate Tower with all participants finishing under the iconic IRONMAN finisher arch, located at Market Square – the very same arch where the IRONMAN athletes will complete their race the next day.
“We are excited to be bringing IRONKIDS to Youghal in County Cork. We believe the event will be a welcome addition to the IRONMAN Ireland, Cork race weekend, something local children can look forward to and a chance for them to have their very own event over the weekend,” said John Wallnutt, IRONMAN Ireland, Cork Race Director.
“After the unbelievable reception the event received in its inaugural year, we look forward to another exciting weekend, this time also getting to cheer our future IRONMAN stars across the famous finish line,” he added.
Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Christopher O Sullivan, added “IRONMAN is a huge international sporting competition and in addition to all the benefits to the region in terms of tourism and economy it also serves as a champion of healthy lifestyle choices.”
“Through a range of programmes and awareness raising events for our young people throughout the year, the Council actively promotes physical and mental health in our communities. This addition of IRONKIDS to the IRONMAN event gives us a great opportunity to introduce our children and young people to the experience of racing, the excitement of competition and the rewards of exercise and healthy choices.”
Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Tim Lucey welcoming the addition of IRONKIDS, said: “The inaugural IRONMAN Ireland, Cork event last summer welcomed competitors from all over the world, showcasing East Cork as a first class visitor destination and generating an estimated €8million boost to the local economy. It’s great to see this prestigious sporting event continue to grow and this year incorporate IRONKIDS – the children’s run.”
“The huge success and continuing growth of the event reflects Cork County Council’s infrastructural investment in the region. We are also delighted to have the council’s work and its pivotal role in bringing IRONMAN to Ireland recognised with the recent short-listing of Cork County Council in the All Ireland Community & Council Awards 2020 for Best Tourism Initiative for IRONMAN Ireland.”
The entry cost is €10, and each participant receives an IRONKIDS t-shirt and medal. Entries will open on 29 January at 15:00 at www.ironman.com/im-ireland-register. Entries are limited therefore parents are encouraged to get their children signed-up as soon as possible.
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The Date it Set for IRONMAN Ireland – Cork -2020.
Youghal is thrilled to welcome the thousands of athletes and supporters to the 2nd full IRONMAN Ireland event on Sunday June 21st. 2020! “IRONMAN”, the incredibly prestigious sporting competition, which is held in locations throughout the world, will once again head to the gem of Ireland’s Ancient East to host the only full distance event in the country on 21 June 2020.
We will keep you up-dated as details and arrangements come to hand, in the meantime mark the date in the diary.
Click on our Race Route Page for details on the 2020 route.
It is a little early yet to have devised the Traffic Management Plan and Road Closures etc as soon as same are to hand we will of course keep you all informed.
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2019 Archives.
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We are just maintaining the 2019 details below, purely for historic purposes for our readers.
Road Closures of Various Roads in Youghal and Environs – IRONMAN IRELAND – Cork
To facilitate the successful running of the much awaited IRONMAN IRELAND Cork event, the following Road Closures will be in place in Youghal Town and its environs for the period 22nd June to Monday 24th June.
Please read carefully and also note the Local Vehicular Accesses.
TEMPORARY CLOSING OF PUBLIC ROADS
Check out our MAP & EVENTS GUIDE. There is so much to do in Youghal and its environs on IRONMAN IRELAND Cork weekend.
Be part of it…Its the first full IRONMAN in Ireland and it’s in YOUGHAL.
Gold Medalist Olympian to participate in IRONMAN Cork! – First published 06.06.2019
One of the most recognisable faces of triathlon and the holder of two Olympic Gold medals, Alistair Brownlee, will make his full-distance IRONMAN debut at IRONMAN Cork in approximately 2 weeks time in Youghal, County Cork. The British athlete will join over 2,300 competitors from across the globe for Ireland’s first ever full IRONMAN which takes place on June 23rd.
Speaking at the announcement of Brownlee’s participation, Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Patrick Gerard Murphy, highlighted how IRONMAN Cork is shining a global spotlight on East Cork:
“IRONMAN Cork is going to be an amazing spectacle for both athletes and visitors. I would like to welcome Alastair together with all his fellow competitors, from at home and abroad, to Cork, where we will play host to an incredible sporting event with Youghal centre stage.”
As one of their fastest-selling events, IRONMAN Cork will begin with a 3.8km (2.4mile) swim from the golden and sandy Claycastle beach in Youghal Bay. The competitors will then take on a 180km (112-mile) bike course where the challenge of climbing up the famous Windmill Hill, twice, will undoubtedly be a spectator hotspot. The bike course travels around Cork County, into the town of Midleton with Youghal Bay, Ballycotton Island and Cork Harbour providing stunning backdrops. The bike course will rise to a maximum elevation of 190 metres above Youghal before a technical drop back into the town.
After tackling the bike course, the competitors will embark on the 42km (26.2mile) running course around Youghal. This will be a flat four-lap course through the centre of Youghal, taking in Youghal Harbour and the famous Clock Gate Tower. Athletes will run under the arch of the Clock Gate Tower in the centre of town during each lap before finally running under the iconic Ironman finishing arch at Green Park.
Cork County Council is lead sponsor for IRONMAN Cork and has been instrumental in bringing Ireland’s first full IRONMAN to Cork. Highlighting the role of the Council, Chief Executive of Cork County Council Tim Lucey spoke of how Cork County will be a central character at one of the most prestigious sporting competitions in the world:
“55% of all IRONMAN Cork participants will arrive to Cork from overseas, including world renowned triathlete Alastair Brownlee which will raise our County of Cork to a global platform. It will also demonstrate the kind of work we do with our communities and businesses in order to bring this investment to East Cork which is bringing real benefits. IRONMAN Cork is set to generate an estimated €8 million economic boost to the local economy but this is only the beginning and I am confident that this is the start of many wins for Cork County.”
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Proposed Traffic Management Scheme for IRONMAN -Cork – 2019 First published 16.05.2019
Please click for information on the IRONMAN Traffic Management Plan for IRONMAN 2019 Youghal.
Please click here for Road Closures: Roads in Youghal, Ballymacoda, Shangarry. Cloyne , Midleton from Saturday 22nd to Monday 24th June 2019 to facilitate IRONMAN Ireland Cork
We wish all the athletes, from home and abroad, a very successful and enjoyable IRONMAN CORK 2019 and we look forward to their return in 2020.
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IRONMAN Cork Notice to Local Business Owners/Manager First published 19.04.2019
An IRONMAN information evening, geared specifically to LOCAL BUSINESS OWNERS will be held at The Mall Arts Centre, Youghal, on Wednesday 24th. April at 6.00pm.
Topics covered will be:
- Economic impact.
- Likely spectator numbers.
- Food & Craft village to complement local capacity.
- Suggested Opening Hours – based on advice from Pembrokeshire County Council.
- Road closures, alternative routes, traffic and parking arrangements together with arrangements for staff & deliveries.
- Questions & Answers session.
All local business owners and managers will glean very valuable and necessary information regarding IRONMAN from this get together.
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Flag is raised to mark IRONMAN Ireland Cork – First published 08.03.2019
Cork County Council’s preparations for Ironman Ireland, Cork 2019 are being ramped up with 11 weeks to go to Ireland’s first ever full Ironman event. The gruelling 140.6-mile triathlon is set to take centre stage in Youghal on 23rd June this year.
The local authority, as the main event sponsor, is seeking to fully maximise the economic benefits the huge influx of international visitors will bring to the region. Increasing the ‘dwell time’ of the thousands of athletes, their supporters and their families in East Cork is a priority for Cork County Council. Emphasising the legacy the event is set to leave on the area, Senior Executive Officer for Cork County Council, Sean O’ Callaghan commented: “With over 2,650 entrants from 62 countries all around the world, we are confident this event will deliver a significant economic impact to the East Cork region, said Sean. Cork County Council believes this event will propel the region to become the ultimate activity-based/outdoor destination in the country, reflecting sport, culture, heritage and adventure. The fact the event is set to be delivered for a minimum of 3 years also will make this a sustainable goal.” Concluded Sean.
Keen to keep the focus of competitors and their supporters on the Youghal and East Cork areas, a series of ‘food villages’ has been planned for the entire weekend of the event in Youghal. Over 40 Cork based artisan food and craft producers will be on hand to supplement the already extensive hospitality offering in Youghal. The food villages will be set up at key locations on the beach front and in the town centre to cater for the expected influx of visitors. In addition, evening concerts have been scheduled in St. Mary’s Collegiate Church in Youghal in the lead up to the event, including Paddy Casey on Friday 21st June.
Youghal will also see a programme of family entertainment rolled out to include face painters, balloon artists, magicians and vintage amusements over the weekend of the event; with special guests Cork based ‘Passe Partout’ – the acclaimed Circus Arts and Street Theatre Production. Families are sure to be entertained as they wait on their loved ones to complete the race!
The outlying communities of Ballymacoda, Saleen, Dungourney, Cloyne are also set to benefit as Cork County Council lends it’s support in terms of enhancing the aesthetics of the villages on the route. With Midleton preparing to be another focal point on the 112-mile bike route, Midleton Chamber of Commerce has also promised a series of events to coincide with the race, as supporters are sure to avail of the many spectator viewing positions along the route.
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The Flag Is Raised to Mark IRONMAN Ireland – Cork First published 08.03.19
The Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Patrick Gerard Murphy, has raised the IRONMAN Ireland Cork flag in Youghal marking Ireland’s first ever full IRONMAN race with preparations well underway for both organisers and athletes
The flag raising coincided with a visit from a delegation from Tenby Wales who are in their ninth year of the IRONMAN event. The Tenby delegation met with the local organising committee and also with business interests in Youghal to share their experiences of IRONMAN, Pembrokeshire, Wales, giving valuable insight into the running of this highly anticipated event. The inaugural race will take place on June 23rd 2019.
2670 athletes from 62 different countries will compete with 55% of all participants travelling from overseas. The field will feature the highest contingent of USA athletes, at 550, for any 2019 IRONMAN European race thus far, with 21% coming from across the Atlantic. Athletes will also be coming from countries such as Spain, Germany, Canada, Mexico, Japan and Barbados, giving the race a truly-international feel. The event is also set to give an estimated €8 million economic boost to the local economy.
Speaking of the plans to date, Mayor Murphy highlighted the tremendous community buy in to the event, “I am in no doubt that East Cork will give athletes and visitors to the event in June the “Cead Mile Failte” welcome. With Cork centre stage at one of the most prestigious sporting competitions in the world and Youghal at the heart of the action we all want IRONMAN Cork to be an amazing spectacle.”
Marc Owen of Pembrokeshire County Council also credited the input of Cork County Council and the local organising committee on the work they have undertaken to date in preparing for the event. He particularly commended the joint Council and IRONMAN “town hall” meetings with communities in Youghal, Ballymacoda and Cloyne which have taken place noting that further such meetings in the other communities are planned for the coming weeks.
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A Sell Out For The First Ever IRONMAN Ireland, Cork. First Published 27 11 2018
IRONMAN, a Wanda Sports Holdings company, today announced that registrations for IRONMAN Ireland, Cork 2019 are now sold out. Next year’s inaugural race will see 2,650 athletes take to the start line in Youghal, Co. Cork on June 23, 2019, making it the largest ever field for any triathlon in Ireland.
Athletes from 62 different countries will compete in Ireland’s first ever IRONMAN race, with 55% of all participants descending on the Emerald Isle from overseas. What’s more, the field will feature the highest contingent of USA athletes for any 2019 IRONMAN European race thus far, with 21% coming from across the Atlantic. Athletes will also be coming from countries such as Spain, Germany, Canada, Mexico, Japan and Barbados, giving the race a truly-international feel.
“IRONMAN IRELAND gives the opportunity to promote not just East Cork but all that Cork has to offer. IRONMAN will showcase all that is great about Cork, our beautiful beaches, historic towns and world-renowned hospitality to a world-wide audience. But it will also be an example of our unique community spirit. IRONMAN is an international event but it is also a community event with hundreds of volunteers being a part of this experience. IRONMAN celebrates every athlete equally and it is this spirit that will make this event so special. It will demonstrate how we can work together, from businesses to emergency services to make this event a success for everyone and for everyone to feel a part of. This will be an event that invests in both people and place and I look forward to what will be an amazing experience.” noted Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Patrick Gerard Murphy.
“Cork County Council is particularly proud to join forces with IRONMAN and bring Ireland’s first full IRONMAN to Ireland and to Cork. This has been one of their fastest selling events with global appeal. We will welcome competitors from all over the world bringing an estimated €8 million economic boost to the local economy. In fact, this race will feature more US athletes than any other European IRONMAN in 2019. Cork will be centre stage at one of the most prestigious worldwide sporting competitions with Youghal at the heart of the action. This is another example of how investment in East Cork is bringing real benefits to communities and businesses.” said Tim Lucey, Chief Executive of Cork County Council.
The race will get underway with a 3.8km (2.4-mile) swim with a rolling start from the golden and sandy Claycastle beach in Youghal Bay, with a two-lap 180km (112-mile) bike course lying in wait. Beginning in the centre of Youghal town, athletes will take on the challenge of climbing up the famous Windmill Hill twice, which undoubtedly will also become a spectator hotspot.
The athletes will then encounter a combination of flat country roads and undulating coastal roads with magnificent sea views of Youghal Bay, Ballycotton Island and Cork Harbour. This breathtaking course goes around County Cork, into the town of Midleton (home to the famous Jameson Distillery) and will rise to a maximum elevation of 190m above the town before a technical drop back into Youghal. After tackling the bike course, the participants will embark on the 42km (26.2-mile) run course, the highlight of this new event. This will be a flat four-lap run course through the centre of the historical town of Youghal, taking in Youghal Harbour and the famous Clock Gate Tower. Athletes will run under the arch of the Clock Gate Tower in the centre of town during each lap before finally running under the iconic IRONMAN finishing arch at Green Park.
Regional Director, UK & Ireland, Declan Byrne said “After a successful launch in June of this year with our partners in Cork County Council, we are delighted that the inaugural IRONMAN in Ireland has captured the imagination of the triathlon community from all over the world by selling out so quickly. We look forward to creating a truly iconic race on the IRONMAN global calendar and delivering an exceptional athlete experience in Youghal, Co. Cork in June 2019. This race will truly complement our existing 70.3 event in Dun Laoghaire creating a unique race series in Ireland”
IRONMAN Ireland, Cork offers 40 qualifying slots for the 2019 IRONMAN World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawai’i.
For more information on the IRONMAN Ireland, Cork, visit www.ironman.com/ireland.
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What a catch – IRONMAN landed in Youghal 2019 First published 06.06.2018
IRONMAN, a Wanda Sports Holdings company, announced the addition of its first full distance event in Ireland, IRONMAN®Ireland, Cork. The inaugural race will take place on June 23, 2019.
“IRONMAN” is an incredibly prestigious sporting competition held in locations throughout the world. Now, for the first time in Ireland, Cork will host a full-distance IRONMAN competition starting in 2019. Youghal will be centre stage for the next three years as we showcase our beautiful beaches, historic towns and world-renowned hospitality to a world-wide audience. I am delighted to welcome IRONMAN to Cork,” said Cllr Declan Hurley, Mayor of the County of Cork.
The race will be held in Youghal, Co. Cork which is located approximately 45 minutes west of Cork city and Cork International Airport. Youghal is a coastal fishing town on the southern coast of Ireland and a fortified seaport since the fifth century. It is also Ireland’s second oldest town. Cork International Airport offers direct transatlantic services in addition to its extensive European access routes, along with modern motorway access from Ireland’s capital city, Dublin (2-hour drive). Youghal is perfectly situated to stage an iconic triathlon.
The race will get underway with a 3.8km (2.4-mile) swim with a rolling start from the golden and sandy Claycastle beach in Youghal Bay, that gently shelves into the Celtic Sea. This is within walking distance of Youghal Town.
A two-lap 180km (112-mile) bike course is next. Starting off through the centre of Youghal town, cyclists will take on the challenge off climbing up the famous Windmill Hill twice, which undoubtedly will also become a spectator hotspot. The cyclists will then encounter a combination of flat country roads and undulating coastal roads with magnificent sea views of Youghal Bay, Ballycotton Island and Cork Harbour. This breathtaking course goes around County Cork, into the town of Midleton (home to the famous Jameson Distillery) and will rise to a max elevation of 190m above Midleton before a technical drop back into Youghal.
The 42km (26.2-mile) run course will be the highlight of this event. This will be a flat four lap run course through the centre of the historical town of Youghal, taking in Youghal Harbour and the famous Clock Gate Tower. Athletes will run under the arch of the Clock Gate Tower in the centre of town during each lap before finally running under the IRONMAN finishing arch in Market Square.
Speaking about the event, Tim Lucey, Chief Executive Cork County Council said: “Cork County Council is especially proud to join forces with IRONMAN which will bring an economic boost estimated to be over seven million Euro to the local economy. But the impact is much more than that; we have the opportunity to promote East Cork but go even further into all that Cork has to offer. We will showcase sport but most importantly of all, we will showcase community spirit. This will be an event that invests in both people and place and I look forward to what will be an amazing experience.”
“It has always been our goal to establish a full-distance event in Ireland. Now, building on the success of IRONMAN 70.3 Dún Laoghaire we are excited to add IRONMAN Ireland, Cork,” said Oliver Schieck, Regional Director IRONMAN UK & Ireland. “This race is a remarkable combination of a stunning race course with a beautiful landscape as a backdrop. We are looking forward to welcoming Irish and international athletes to the inaugural edition in June 2019.”
The 2019 IRONMAN Ireland, Cork, will be a qualifier for the 2019 IRONMAN World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
General registration for IRONMAN Ireland, Cork will open on Tuesday, June 5, 2018 at www.ironman.com/ireland<http://scanmail.trustwave.com/…. Athlete inquiries may be directed to [email protected] – mailto:[email protected]
For more information on the IRONMAN brand and global event series, visitwww.ironman.com<http://scanmail.trustwave.com/…>. For media related inquiries, please email [email protected] mailto:[email protected]