Dawn on Saturday 12th May saw a beautiful sunrise over Loch Lene in Collinstown to herald the start of the Tri an Mhi middle distance (half ironman) triathlon race sponsored by Base2Race.

This remarkable gap in this spring's weather was relished by athletes and organisers alike.

The race in 2011 left such a lasting impression that 240 individuals and 20 relay teams registered for the 2012 event within ten days of opening and included Irish internationals as well as visitors from a range of EU countries.

The cold water was something of a shock to all, but the first athlete out of the water took just 26 minutes (!) to swim the 1900 metres (1.2 miles).

The two lap (93km or 57mile) cycle ride was demanding since it was persistently rolling with the dreaded 'Oldcastle Mountain' to cycle up (twice!), but after that the athletes could admire the beautiful countryside and antiquities around Fore as they completed the 21km (half-marathon) run.

Anyway the first finisher, Michael O'Brien from Limerick did all of this in just 4 hours 40 minutes 37 seconds, with 13 men getting under five hours.

First lady was Vanessa Fenton (5hr.20.37) from 3D tri club in Dublin, and indeed the splendid 3D club took all three podium places for the ladies.

Once again the club greatly appreciated the consideration and support given by the local population, gardai etc before and during the race.

Meath's triathlon club (Tri an Mhi) is immensely proud at having put on such a widely acclaimed great race ("....the friendliest triathlon in Ireland" was an early email), and having two age group winners in Lorraine Heffernan and Marie Gorman.

Entries for the shorter sprint distance race at the same venue in mid September are now being taken on-line. See you there.