Triangle Triathlon Club

​Club History

The sport of Triathlon was born in the mid 70's and depending on which version you believe, the origin of our multi endurance sport was either in Hawaii or San Diego. Hawaii has given birth to the legendary Ironman event, which consists of a 2.4 mile sea swim; 112 mile cycle; and a full marathon i.e. 26.2 miles, whereas San Diego has spawned a much smaller distance event which, became crystallised in the eventual Olympic Distance and it consists of a 1.5 k swim, 40 k bike ride, and a 10 k run. The sport of Triathlon is now firmly established at the Olympics and the Commonwealth Games and attracts world-wide global audiences.

Triathlon in Ireland
Triathlon made it's debut in Ireland in 1983 with events both side of the border. Ballymoney Borough Council had the foresight to organise an event which, consisted of a 40-length swim, 15-mile bike ride and an 8-mile run in September 1983. Shortly afterwards a meeting took place at Coleraine Leisure Centre with founder members Ken Jones, Anne Paul, Michael McCarron, Aidan Lundy, Charlie Brooks and Peter Jack. A name for the Club was eventually thought of - one which not only symbolised the 3 different parts of Triathlon (with the 3 sides of the Triangle) but also which encapsulated the Triangle area of the North Coast of Counties Derry and Antrim - Coleraine, Portstewart and Portrush.

Very quickly news of this new sport reached others interested in graduating from mere swimming, cycling or running. Sessions started in Coleraine swimming pool and afterwards cycling sessions commenced around the Triangle roads and running sessions started on the Trim Trail paths on the Kilrea road in Coleraine.
Since those early days, the Club has contributed greatly to the Irish Triathlon scene. Peter Jack is current Head of Selectors and a former President of Triathlon Ireland. Stewart Tosh is Chairman of the Ulster Branch and Nicky McBride is a former Head of Selectors for both the Ulster Branch and Triathlon Ireland and Anne Paul was the Coach of the Ulster Squad, which did so well at the Commonwealth Games in Manchester in 2002.

The Club is not resting on its laurels however and will continue to strive to provide the best athletes and the best races in the country. Whether you are an experienced Ironman competitor on the verge of a professional contract, a 50 year old novice attempting your first ever event, or a school pupil dabbling in swimming, cycling and running, the Triangle Club will give you a warm welcome in Coleraine, Limavady or Magherafelt.