TRIATHLON: McGrady and Wylie top Newry standings

McGrady used home advantage to clock up a winning time of 58.40 in the firmus energy Newry City Triathlon.

High Elbow’s Laura Wylie finished first in the ladies’ section thanks to 1:05:25.

Hundreds of competitors signed up over the sprint triathlon course that featured a 750-metre open water swim in Newry Canal, 20-kilometre closed road cycle and 5-kilometre flat run around key attractions within the city.

Michael Sinton and Henry O’Neil were next in line behind McGrady, with Ciara Havern the ladies’ runner-up and Rosemary Gibson home in third.

“Once again, this fantastic event has been a key date in our District’s calendar,” said the chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Councillor Gillian Fitzpatrick. “We were delighted to see so many local people and hundreds of visitors in Newry city for the spectacle.

“We are delighted with the ongoing support for this event and I would like to congratulate everyone who took part in this year’s gruelling challenge.

“So much training and hard work goes into preparations for race day and crossing the finish line is an achievement in itself, regardless of the time it takes.

“Thanks to all those who helped to make this year’s event happen, including the council, committee, volunteers and, of course, firmus energy who once again supported the event this year.”

The Festival of Water included banana rides on the canal, jet-ski and canoe races, face painting, bouncy castles and a climbing wall followed by the firmus energy Newry City triathlon.

Visit www.firmusenergynewrycitytriathlon.com for a full list of results.