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The Legend of the Lough Sprint Triathlon, hosted by Brown Shoes Triathlon Club, was host to last weekend’s Cross Triathlon National Championships. The even took place in the grounds of the Shanes Castle Estate with the start and finish areas against the backdrop of the castle ruins on the shores of Lough Neagh.

Alex Gray and Eimear Nicholls took home the national titles for 2023, both leading out of the water from the 750m swim, which took place to the rear of the castle ruins in the waters of Lough Neagh.

Craig Harrison of Tuna TC took home 2^nd place in the men’s race, keeping eventual winner Gray on his toes throughout; with only a handful of seconds between the athletes as they exited T2 on to the run. Gray put in a dominant run performance to seal the victory by over 45 seconds.

The men’s podium was completed by Matthew Kinkaid of Newry TC. Kinkaid put in an impressive bike leg on the two loops around the mixed-surface farm lanes and tracks of the estate to come in to T2 ahead of Gray and Harrison, however, he faded on the run but managed to hold on to a podium position.

In the women’s race, Nicholls dominated from start to finish claiming the national title by over ten minutes on her nearest competitor.

Olivia McCartin’s swim is what made the difference for her as she fought to hang on to 2^nd place over Anne Paul who finished just over 30 seconds behind her.