SCHOOLCHILDREN from across the county came to Portlaoise last Saturday morning, June 16, to conquer one of the great sporting milestones. The first ever Children’s Duathlon in Laois!

Todays duathlon was a menacing challenge in drizzly conditions; a long distance run, a harrowing task in itself, was followed by a lengthy bike ride, and then as if aching limbs hadn’t taken enough, they were faced into that gruelling run again.

However, the children of Laois proved to be a hardy bunch and not only did they show they could complete this endurance event; they could do so in some style.

Upwards of 100 young athletes in three age groups took to Portlaoise's GAA field under the guidance of Trilogy Triathlon Club with the U/8's first under starter's orders followed by the U/10's and then U/12's. Determination was the watchword of the day as this collection of competitors weren’t even discouraged by the drizzle and dampness in the air. Indeed their spirits seemed to soar as their fitness was put to the test and their conditioning stretched to breaking point. They ran, then they biked and then they ran again!

And when it was all over, there were smiles to accompany the knowledge that they had conquered an exhausting endurance event; one that has left people twice and three times their age gasping in disbelief and disappointment. Chief Race Organiser, Kevin Bracken said: "It was a great event and we are delighted that so many children came out to take part, parents to support and people to help. It was a great success and thanks to Portlaoise GAA Club and the local primary schools for helping Trilogy Triathlon Club make it all happen."

This event wasn’t a one-off and plans are already afoot to bring the competition back in September when the schools return after the summer. Indeed flushed with success there are talks already of getting the secondary school sector involved next time but in the meantime, it is time to savour the fact that another great sport has been brought to Laois. And in light of how these young children tackled it - the future for the county and duathlons looks very bright indeed.

Note: Photos are available at the link on the right hand side - anybody with photos to submit, please contact karl@trilogy.ie.

Trilogy Triathlon would also like to extend a big thank you to Kevin and Maeve Bracken, who organised the event, Gala Stores, Stradbally Road, Tropicana Go!, AMM Construction, Laois Sports Partnership and Triathlon Ireland who supported the event, and to the Trilogy members who arrived up on the day to help out.

• Photo Gallery
• Laois Sports Partnership