Big names for inaugural Katie Nugent Duathlon
Ryanair chief Michael O'Leary; top duathlete David Fagan, and former jockeys Charlie Swan and Norman Williamson are some of the well known names taking part in the inaugural Katie Nugent Duathlon at Ballinlough Castle, Clonmellon this Sunday October 16.The event is targeting experienced athletes who want to keep fitness levels up, as well as first time competitors, and people who fancy a serious but enjoyable challenge. Competitors must complete a 2.5 km run followed by a 22km cycle and then a second circuit of the 2.5km run. MC on the day is Mullingar's Deca Ironman Gerry Duffy.The event is being held in aid of a fund set up in memory of the daughter of the castle's owners Nick and Alice Nugent, who tragically died from leukaemia in May last year, aged just six. The Katie Nugent Fund is ring fenced within the established CMRF (Children's Medical Research Foundation) and is specifically for the emotional and psychological welfare of children (and their families) on St John's Ward, the oncology and haematology ward at Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin.On the day there will also be a chance for competitors' and supporters' children to participate in a number of races making up the Sunflower Run. These are broken down as follows: under 6 years 50 metres, under 8 years 200 metres, under 10 years 500 metres, under 12 years 1000 metres and under 14 years 1500 metres. Registration for children will be on the day and will cost â¬5 as well as whatever sponsorship each child can raise.It costs â¬50 to register as an individual and â¬100 to register as a team (a runner and a cyclist). In addition, every participant must raise a minimum of â¬100 in sponsorship. Needless to say the organisers hope that competitors will raise as much as possible.The main race starts at 11am (and race registration will take place from 9am-10.30am). The gates to Ballinlough Castle will be closed from approximately 10.30am until the last cyclist comes in to ensure that safety is maintained for the duration of the main event.Competitors must be over sixteen years of age and entries close on Thursday October 13. To register, go to www.katienugentfund.com.