Three take part in the ultimate challenge at the Zurich Ironman

Three members of the TUNA triathlon club travelled to Zurich to compete in the sold out Ironman Switzerland competition.
By The Newsroom
Published 12th Aug 2013, 16:10 BST
Ryan Rainey, Philip Castles and Phil McDonald who took part in the Ironman Switzerland competiiton. INLM32-208Ryan Rainey, Philip Castles and Phil McDonald who took part in the Ironman Switzerland competiiton. INLM32-208
Ryan Rainey, Philip Castles and Phil McDonald who took part in the Ironman Switzerland competiiton. INLM32-208

The 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile cycle and 26.2 mile run is seen by many as the pinnacle of endurance sport, and the ultimate challenge for triathletes.

Ryan Rainey, Philip Castles and Phil McDonald joined the club only one year before, and immediately got the bug for triathlon, competing in races from sprint to half iron distance in the 2012 season. All three came to triathlon from different sporting backgrounds – Ryan and Philip Castles from running, and Phil McDonald from football. None of them had ever swam or cycled in any serious way before joining the club. After completing the Ironman 70.3 Galway event last September, the trio decided to set their sights on the Ironman event for 2013.

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Ryan Rainey was the first TUNA across the line. The Tandragee resident finished in 12:27:40 – a fantastic achievement. He was the joined by his clubmate Philip Castles, who was home in 12:52:18. Both men cheered their teammate Phil McDonald across the line less than 45 minutes later, after a strong marathon, in a time of 13:40:44 overall.

TUNA caters for all levels of ability, so if you have been thinking about taking up a new challenge, why not come along to one of our training sessions? We are also running an Aquathon event for all levels at Craigavon Lakes on Sun 11th August at 10.30 am. More details on our website.