The first-ever Cnoc Fola Duathlon was a huge success on Saturday, drawing over 70 participants from both local and distant areas to challenge themselves along the scenic Wild Atlantic Way.
The duathlon course consisted of a 3km run around Brinalack, a 20km cycling route around Cnoc Fola, and concluded with another 3km run in Brinalack.
Mark McGinley from Glenswilly emerged as the overall winner, completing the course in an impressive time of 59 minutes and 18 seconds. Shaun Stewart secured second place with a time of 1 hour, 0 minutes, and 57 seconds, followed by local competitor Noel Diver from the Rosses in third place with a time of 1 hour, 4 minutes, and 6 seconds.
Winner Mark McGinley from Glenswilly
In the women’s division, Eileen Lynch took first place with a strong performance of 1 hour, 23 minutes, and 10 seconds. Jenny McKinney claimed second place with a time of 1 hour, 25 minutes, and 40 seconds, and Megan Bonner finished third with a time of 1 hour, 28 minutes, and 34 seconds.
Female winner Eileen Lynch
Gerard McKinney was the first to finish in the Men’s Masters category, achieving an impressive 4th place overall with a time of 1 hour, 5 minutes, and 21 seconds. Local athlete Anne Harkin won the Female Masters title, crossing the finish line in 1 hour, 31 minutes, and 27 seconds, with Áine Whoriskey securing second place in 1 hour, 36 minutes, and 22 seconds.
The team event was won by Teresa Gallagher’s team with a finishing time of 1 hour, 18 minutes, and 16 seconds.
Proceeds from the duathlon will be donated to three local charities: Gaoth Dobhair Aontaithe, Ionad Phobail Chnoc Fola, and Donegal Cancer Flights and Services.
The organizers expressed their sincere gratitude to the marshals and volunteers who made the event possible. Their efforts included setting up the course, providing support along the route and in the transition area, and assisting at the community center. A special thank you was extended to the parents who provided sandwiches and the women who helped with tea.
A special acknowledgment was given to Edward Harkin, who served as the MC, delivered the safety briefing, and hosted the prize-giving ceremony. The organizers also thanked Michael Coyle for leading the race on his motorbike and ensuring the cyclists’ safety.
Thanks were also given to talented photographers Leonie Ferry, Máiréad Harkin McGee, and Annie Ivers for capturing the spirit of the day.
The event’s success was made possible by the generous sponsors:
- G-Fab and John Cholm Gillespie – Main Prize Sponsor
- Bunbeg Health Centre – Other Prize Sponsor
- Maple Derrybeg
- Josie Molloy’s Spar
- Gavin at O’Donnell’s Crolly – Water bottles for competitors
- BetterLetter Signs – Event signage
- FTS Scaffolding – Railings and bars for the bike stand in the transition area
The favorable weather, strong participation, and community support contributed to a memorable event. The organizers hope to establish the Cnoc Fola Duathlon as an annual event, with plans for continued growth and improvement in the future.
“We extend our sincere thanks to all the competitors, both near and far, who participated in the event. We hope you enjoyed it and look forward to seeing you all next year.”
McGinley takes the win as inaugural Cnoc Fola Duathlon draws over 70 competitors was last modified: August 5th, 2025 by
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