Longford man to tackle the world's toughest: the gruelling Norseman Xtreme Triathlon
Longford Triathlon Club team member and coach Brendan Doyle will take part in the Norseman Extreme Triathlon tomorrow, Saturday August 1.
Almost 8,000 athletes from 100 countries applied to take part in the world’s toughest triathlon in Norway.
Only 255 qualified and one of those elite few is a man from Longford.
Brendan Doyle, who is based in Moydow, is set to take on the extreme challenge, which will involve jumping from a ferry into a fjord and swimming 3.8km to shore. Taking into account the tough Norwegian landscape and ice cold conditions, this opening swim will be anything but straightforward.
Next comes the bike course, a gruelling 180km route with more than 3,000 metres of uphill mountainous terrain.
The final stage is a 42km marathon which culminates in the famously tough ascent of Mount Gaustatoppen. Near the top of Mount Gaustatoppen is a checkpoint called Stavsro.
The first 160 athletes who make it to Stavsro earn the opportunity to complete the iconic mountaintop finish.
Brendan is determined to be among the 160 to achieve this impressive feat.
Arriving in Norway last week, Brandan posted a photo of himself pointing towards the finish line accompanied by the caption, “Landed in Norway and checking out the finish. It’s up in them clouds somewhere. Only the first 160 athletes get to go to the top to finish. Everyone gets a finish but I have to be in that 160.”
In addition to taking on an endurance challenge long regarded as one of the world's most demanding, both physically and mentally, Brendan is using the triathlon to raise funds for Cian's Kennels, a Killashee charity that arranges for hospitalised children to have their pet dogs by their side.
The charity was founded by Evelyn and Enda Neary and named in memory of their 15-year-old son, Cian.
To date, Brendan has raised nearly €6,000 in donations through the online fundraiser. Donations can be made until August 31.
Posting on his Facebook page, Brendan wrote, “I’m blown away by the donations from you all. I’m very proud to do this event and help raise funds for such a worthy charity. Cian’s Kennels needs every penny. This will be my push when I’m hurting. I’m getting to do this.”
Today, Longford Triathlon Club shared their support for their club member and coach.
They wrote, “Everyone here at Longford Triathlon Club would like to wish our club member and coach Brendan Doyle the very best of luck as he takes on the Gruelling Norseman Extreme Triathlon tomorrow. Known as the toughest Triathlon in the world. We have no doubt that Brendan will absolutely smash it. We’re all behind you Brendan!”