Ballymun is getting its very first triathlon event this summer.
On July 2, hundreds of north Dublin locals will swim, cycle and run together as part of an event that will generate a dose of positive community spirit in the area.
Ger Prendergast, one of the founding members of the Ballymun Health and Fitness Festival and Ballymun Triathlon Club, spoke to Dublin Live about the triathlon and why its important to host health and fitness events in Ballymun.
He said: "We decided to come up with a calendar of events this year. In July as part of that, under the Ballymun Triathlon Club, the triathlon has a calendar event in the health and fitness festival.
"The registration for that opened on Saturday and we have 130 signed up already.
"We use the pool out here in Ballymun Leisure Centre. You come out of the pool and there's a lovely big courtyard outside of that. That's where you grab your bike, head up the main street, up to Santry Cross, up past Musgraves, back down in through Poppintree and back to the swimming pool.
"The run will be the same loop, but on the path as opposed to the road."
Ger has seen a number of fitness events happening in Ballymun over the past few years and explained that they're always a positive experience for organisers and those taking part.
"Something we've been doing for over ten years now is the Ballymun Running Festival. DCC and the Gardai are involved in all of these community events," he said.
"Ballymun can have a bad reputation but we're trying to change that and make it a bit more positive by getting the kids to do health and fitness stuff.
"We have the likes of Conor McGregor's boxing Coach and Philly McMahon from Ballymun. There have always been high quality athletes out here."
Those interested in taking part in the triathlon can register here.
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