West Clare Triathlon has been in West Clare since 1985 when Limerick Triathlon hosted the renowned “Hell of the West” Triathlon in Kilkee. In 2008, a group local to Kilrush entered “Hell of the West” as a relay team, bringing family and friends for support. From that day, a keen interest in racing in triathlons within the group began to grow. In 2010, West Clare Tri Club was founded with no more than ten members. At that time, despite living on the West Clare Coast with the Shannon Estuary in our backyard, very few of us could swim. We were extremely fortunate to know just the last to help us. With the help and encouragement of Mags Talty, we were swimming lengths of the pool in no time!
Over the years, the club has grown with member numbers, support from the locals, newfound friendships and a fantastic offering to the community to be part of something special, offering something for everyone. From the competitive racer to the social athlete, everyone is welcome, and no one is left behind. The club’s aim was always, and still is, to bring like-minded people together, learn new skills, and improve and train in a safe and supportive environment.
In 2010, the Tri Athlone series set up a company to run a triathlon in Galway and Kilrush. They ran it for two years. When that company finished, they asked us if we would keep it going. That is where Up the Creek was born. We changed the race date from September to the June bank holiday weekend, which fit in nicely just four weeks before Hell of The West.
In 2012, West Clare Triathlon Clun held the first “Up The Creek” Sprint Triathlon. It was a huge success and has become one of the most favourable sprints in the country due to the guaranteed swim and scenic bike/run views. The local community always gets behind the West Clare Tri Club, giving us tremendous support and welcoming competitors to the area.
WEST CLARE TRIATHALON CLUB 