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Humbert Half Iron -

It is confirmed that the hugely successful forth annual Humbert Half Iron triathlon will be held on Sunday 14th July 2013. Race entry will open 9am Friday March 1st 2013. If you have not heard of our race before then read below for course outline. To see some of what has been said of our race by previous participants check out the following links

2011 Race Feedback: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056180288&page=3

2010 Race Feedback: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055867927&page=4

Course Outline and Itinery:

Follow in the footsteps of General Jean Joseph Humbert and his French invasion force of 1798, as you tackle this tough and undulating Half Iron distance Triathlon across scenic County Mayo. Race across much of the route taken by the French forces on their historic "forced march" north of Lough Conn towards Castlebar taking in the challenging climb up the "Windy Gap".The undulating but fast route covers many historical towns and landmarks along the way as well as some truly epic scenery. Make the Humbert Challenge part of your history!

ENTRY AND REGISTRATION:
Entry will be available online only and will be resticted to 250 entrants,both individual and relay. Payment will be online for both Triathlon Ireland members and one day licences. One day licences must now be purchased via the Triathlon Ireland website. No monies will be taken on the day of registration. Registration will be conducted at the Gateway Hotel, Main Street, Swinford - time and date to be confirmed. Further details will be put on the website closer to entry so keep in touch. Accommodation contact details can be found via our website on top menu bar above.

TRANSITION:
Transition is in a green field site right beside the swim start at picturesque Callow lake. It is four miles equidistant from the towns of Foxford and the race finish at Swinford. Parking will be available on the morning of the race.It will open for entry at 7am on the morning of the race for the 9am start.

THE SWIM:
This comprises of a 1900m 1 loop triangular course on the beautiful Callow lake situated four miles from Swinford town. Expect calm and clear waters for the one wave start.

THE BIKE:
Garmin Connect File of half iron bike route can be found here.

On leaving transition at Callow turn left and head into historic Foxford town and on into the stunning scenery of the Twin Lakes at Pontoon. Please note that the road surfaces along the cycling route are 95% good although a few short stretches will rattle the bones.

A right turn at Healys Hotel, 8 miles into the cycle, signifies the first climb of the day, a short sharp test for a couple of bigger climbs to follow. The scenery is breathtaking for those still fresh enough to take it in! On into Bofeenaun and undulating terrain until you come to the "highlight" of the day, the challenging climb over the "Windy Gap".

The "Windy Gap" is approximately 16 miles into the route and although the climb itself measures 1 mile in distance the challenge should not be underestimated. The elevation graph says it all and would be considered by those in the know as a Grade A climb. The Windy Gap will test the strength and resolve of even the most experienced cyclist. In acknowledgment of the sheer scale of the test the first aid station of the route (each stocking water, isotonic & fruit) will be situated at the top of the climb to replenish aching muscles and burning lungs. Did we mention that the climb is a serious challenge? Yes? Good! However what goes up must come down and while the mile long climb may eat into precious minutes, the decent is long and rewarding and any time lost during the climb can be easily made up on the way down to the outskirts of Castlebar.

Once reaching Castlebar the course turns back on itself and towards Pontoon once more. It is a respite from the hilly roads from here to the right turn towards the village of Parke and on towards historic Turlough. Another aid station is located 25 miles into the route for those who need to fill up water bottles or take on some isotonic drinks and fruit etc. The course takes in a couple of tight bends before opening up onto the main N5 road and into the aerobars for a very fast section all the way into Swinford. A third aid station is located 43 miles into the route. Once in Swinford it is only four miles to return to transition at Callow and into T2 in readiness for the run. The final distance of the cycle route measures 54.6 miles.Feedback from previous participants is that the bike course is FAST. The only question that remains is can you beat the current bike course record holder's (Ruaidhri Geraghty's (Galway Tri)) time of 2 hours 22 minutes?!

Bike Elevation on graph to the right - 

THE RUN:
Garmin Connect file of Half Iron Run Route can be found here.

On leaving T2 take a left turn and off the main road and a beautiful start to the run along Callow lake on quiet roads. Participants don't have long before the first and steepest climb of the run which arrives just half a mile into the route but which is thankfully over quickly. The route heads towards the main Foxford to Castlebar road for a short stretch before turning left (at the aid station at mile 5 of run route) towards Bohola. Along scenic roads until the left turn onto the main N5 and the village of Bohola where the second last aid station is awaiting you (approximately 9 miles into the run). Into the energy reserves now, the final much needed aid station is located at c. 11 miles. All that remains is that one final push for the finishing line, located fittingly outside Swinford Church. Job done! The final distance of the run route is 13.18 miles.

POST RACE:
After the finish at Swinford there will be a shuttle bus every thirty minutes to take finishers to the transition area at Callow to collect your bike and gear. There will be a substantial hot meal to be had at Kellys Gateway Hotel for all those who participated. Prizegiving is proposed to be at 6pm at this venue. If you decide to take Monday off work (advisable) then enjoy some of the local pubs later that night as local athletes and organisers toast the success of the event!!

IMPORTANT:
To take part, you will also need to be a member of Triathlon Ireland (€50 per calender year) or get a One Day License (€15 per Triathlon race). This is for insurance reasons.

It is your responsibility to arrange this license and to provide it with photo ID at registration on the day. For security reasons, licenses cannot be sold on the day. Anyone without a valid license will not be allowed to compete.