Athlone tri club and River Fest join forces to host national event
It’s been a landmark 12 months for Athlone Triathlon Club, and things are only just heating up. In 2024, the club was crowned Triathlon Ireland’s Club of the Year, and now it’s gearing up to host the 2025 National Aquathon Championships — an event that promises to bring top-tier racing back to the very heart of Athlone on August 3.
A chance meeting actually sparked a partnership that will see sport take centre stage at this year’s Athlone River Festival. The idea of hosting the national aquathon in Athlone came to life during a conversation between Athlone Triathlon Club Chairperson Laura Kelly and Padraig Hegarty, Chairperson of the Athlone River Festival. The local duo quickly saw a shared vision — combining the energy of a community festival with the excitement of a national sporting event.
“It was one of those conversations where everything just clicked,” Laura recalls. “We both saw the potential straight away. This was a chance to not only boost social and economic activity in Athlone, but to make sport a central part of a community celebration. A chance we simply couldn’t miss.”
Padraig Hegarty echoes that sentiment. “The River Festival is all about showcasing the best of Athlone — its culture, its people, and its incredible setting along the Shannon. Bringing the National Aquathon Championships into the festival makes perfect sense. It brings a whole new energy, and we’re delighted to be partnering with Athlone Triathlon Club.”
Athlone Triathlon Club’s rise to Club of the Year status hasn’t happened overnight. The club has grown in both size and spirit, now boasting a diverse membership ranging from complete novices to seasoned Ironman athletes.
“We’re really proud of the community we’ve built,” Laura says. “It’s supportive, inclusive, and welcoming. Whether you’re looking to do your first triathlon or training for a full Ironman, there’s a place for you here.”
Training sessions take place year-round, with coaching across all three disciplines — swimming, cycling, and running. The club also places a strong focus on introducing beginners to the sport, to junior development, community engagement, and making sport accessible to all.
It’s that ethos that caught the attention of Triathlon Ireland, who awarded the club the 2024 Club of the Year title for its excellence not only in competition, but in volunteerism, inclusivity, and club culture.
Athlone Triathlon Club isn’t just making waves in sport — it’s also become a key player in local fundraising. In recent years, the club has raised vital funds for charities including South Westmeath Hospice, and most recently through the 12-hour challenge in aid of the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA), and the Athlone Family Resource Centre.
“Community is at the heart of what we do,” Laura says. “Yes, we’re about sport and fitness, but we’re also about making a positive impact where we live. Our members have been incredible — whether it’s running charity events, taking on endurance challenges, or simply giving their time to help others.”
With the National Aquathon Championships set to take place as part of the 2025 Athlone River Festival on Sunday, August 3, excitement is already building. The race will bring athletes from across Ireland to compete in a challenging open-water swim and run course set against the stunning backdrop of the River Shannon and Athlone’s historic town centre.
“It’s going to be something really special. Athlone has a rich history with triathlon and this is about bringing that energy back. We’re so proud to be part of it,” Laura added.