News

After the original date for this race (17th Jan) was postponed due to the Big Freeze, participants in the first of three Alive Outside Winter Duathlons in the Phoenix Park were literally chomping at the bit and mad keen for some running, cycling and more running on Sunday 7th Feb!

52 Experienced Male and Females took to the start line for Race #1, where participants ran 2.6km around the soccer and GAA pitches, cycled 3 laps of the road circuit (13km) and ended with a 2.6km sprint towards the finish line. Niall Somers took the honour of being first ever home in an Alive Outside event by winning the Experienced Male category in a time of 39:03 mins, while Kitty Perle literally ran away with the Experienced Women’s race in an excellent 48:26 mins.

Once the Experienced participants were done, it was the turn of the real stars of the event – the Newbie Male and Females. In total 68 Newbies, with the majority taking part in their first ever race, lined up eagerly on the start line for the hooter to blow. Over a slightly shorter course (2km run, 9km cycle, 2km run), the Newbies were cheered on by family, friends and the Alive Outside race marshals, creating a great atmosphere, especially at the finish line where the tired participants were greeted by music, dance and a free Alive Outside beanie! First Newbie Male home was the impressive Ian Richardson in 34:35 mins, while Suzanne Kenny had a fantastic race in the Newbie Females winning in 39:47. As well as the beanie hat to keep them warm when they finished, all racers were treated to a delicious complimentary toastie (kindly provided by Dubliner Cheese) and recovery drink (kindly provided by Kinetica).

We would like to thank everyone who took part in the race, especially those who made the day run so smoothly, including the brilliant Alive Outside marshals and stewards, Dubliner Cheese, Kinetica, An Garda Siochana and the Office of Public Works. We hope to see you back in the Park for the second race (250 places already sold out!) in the Series on 28th February.