I first did the Phoenix Park Duathlon back in 2023 and it was a well-organised and inclusive event. This time, DUCC brought a whole team.
The event was well organised again with loads of marshals available. There was a slight delay to starting the race when the ambulance broke down en route to the event but everything was still very smooth. It went off in three waves and despite promising to run a 25-minute 5k I ended up in the last one.
The first run was two laps of the field and nice and flat. Transitioning on the bike was fine and we set out to complete three laps of the park on fully closed roads. The bike course is fast, too, with only one meaningful hill at the end. I was able to stay aero for a lot of the first lap. On the second, the wind picked up and it was harder to stay on the aero bars but it calmed down again for the final lap. Another smooth transition and it was onto the run for a final lap around the field.
My total time was:
1:23:10
I was slightly faster across everything compared with two years ago. I am pleased with that as I felt like I was fitter back then. I looked at my heart rate and I was working slightly harder this time but I also think my running form has come on a lot and that has helped.
| Discipline |
2025 |
2023 |
| Run 1 |
23:31 |
24:55 |
| T1 |
1:01 |
1:23 |
| Bike |
46:12 |
47:46 |
| T2 |
1:05 |
1:27 |
| Run 2 |
11:21 |
11:23 |
| Total |
1:23:10 |
1:26:56 |
Well done to Hugh, Finn, Paddy and Naz who has completed the event. Paddy won his age group and Naz completed the race despite dealing with a medical emergency in the middle. Great effort all around. The photographers managed to find me this year: thanks to Triathlon Ireland and Belpark Triathlon Club for the pictures.
