From Istanbul to Sligo: Successes continue for STC

IT'S been a busy calendar of racing action for Strabane Triathlon Club (STC) with members in action both locally and further afield.

On Sunday, September 7, a 13-strong STC contingent took on the Waterside Half Marathon under tough conditions as athletes faced a cold, wet, and windy morning that tested both body and mind.

The race was a gritty affair from the very start.

Heavy drizzle and blustery winds made for a challenging course, tightening muscles in the chill and soaking shoes with every stride.

Yet, in true STC spirit, the athletes rose to the occasion, showing resilience, determination and team pride as they embraced the elements rather than letting them dictate the day.

Each finisher demonstrated grit and perseverance, proving that heart outlasts discomfort:

Results: Laurence O’Neill - 1:16:01, Brendan Murphy - 1:23:21, Shaun Lynch - 1:29:10, Paul Coyle - 1:29:11, Gerard Coyle -1:35:05, Andrew Devine - 1:49:18, Leanne Clarke - 1:57:40, Shaun McGlade - 2:04:28, Kathy McBeth - 2:05:01, Carol Devine - 2:11:17, Stephen Gourley - 2:19:08 and Caroline Gourley - 2:38:10.

A club spokesperson said: "Another proud day for Strabane Triathlon Club, with every athlete digging deep to cross the line in one of the toughest editions of the Waterside Half Marathon."

The previous day, a 17-strong group of STC athletes travelled to North Sligo to take on the Mullaghmore Sprint Triathlon, hosted by MSC Tri.

Adam Ward continued his outstanding season, powering to an emphatic first place overall in an impressive time of 1:00:29.

Jacob McElwee, already a podium finisher earlier this season, produced another excellent performance, charging home in fifth place overall and securing second in his age category with a time of 1:10:07.

There were also superb performances across the club, with many athletes setting strong times on the scenic but testing Mullaghmore course: Conor McLaughlin - 1:18:17, Joe Clarke - 1:18:42, David Arbuckle - 1:19:55, Brian Conway - 1:21:04, Liam Doherty - 1:23:30, Gary Bogle -1:23:39, Mark Colhoun - 1:24:06, Conor Maxwell - 1:26:31, Stephen McCrory - 1:26:48, Patrick Stewart - 1:27:58, Gareth Crowley - 1:30:16, Paul McNamee - 1:31:02, Marie McGillian - 1:33:52, Keelin Begley - 1:39:03 and Ben Fitzpatrick -1:43:35

Elsewhere, on Sunday, August 31, STC athlete Rachel Woods lined up at the Asia and Europe Age Group Championships in Istanbul, Turkey.

Against a strong international field, Rachel delivered an impressive performance, racing with focus and consistency throughout the day.

She completed the 2.3 km swim, 42 km bike and 10 km run in a time of 2:53:22, finishing ninth overall.

"Congratulations Rachel on a fantastic top-10 performance on the championship stage," the club spokesperson added.

The spokesperson added: "The club wishes to pay a special thanks to Sport Ireland, Sport NI, Derry City & Strabane District Council and Triathlon Ireland for their continued support as well our sponsors Conway Plumbing, Miller Wholesale Ltd., AGL Chartered Accountants, Parkland 33, Frylite Solutions, CAS Construction and Concreting and AP Recovery who have assisted us financially throughout the year ensuring that the club continues to thrive."