August 18th along the banks of Lough Neagh, Ballyronan - Churchill Road Race Results First-time triathlete 22 year old Will Cullen today met with Bob Davison, organiser of the Lough Neagh triathlon to launch the inaugural Powerade National Triathlon Championship, which takes place on August 18th along the banks of Lough Neagh, Ballyronan. Powerade’s sponsorship of the Lough Neagh triathlon is the culmination of its ‘Never Give Up’ campaign which has seen Dubliner Will Cullen train to compete in his first triathlon. Since February, Powerade, along with Ireland rugby team hero Paul O’Connell, has supported Will with advice on training, nutrition, technique and the importance of pre-hydration to ensure he can go the distance for the final challenge. As the star of tv and poster ads, as well as the campaign’s website, nevergiveup.ie, all eyes will be on Will as he prepares for the race which is now just a few short weeks away. The course is Olympic standard and consists of a 1500m swim followed by a 40km (25 miles) cycle and finally a 10km run. The swim will prove the toughest part of the course for Will, as just six months ago he was unable to swim a single stroke. Throughout the campaign Will has been raising funds and awareness of Sudden Adult Death Syndrome through The Mater Foundation who support The Mater Hospital’s Family Heart Screening Clinic which provides support and medical advice to those who have lost family members to sudden and unexplained cardiac arrest. Many young sports stars including Ulster and Ireland U-19 Rugby International John McCall and Tyrone football captain Cormac McAnallen, lost their lives because of the undiagnosed condition, and it is hoped that this campaign will go some way to helping prevent further tragic losses. Commenting on the sponsorship of the Powerade National Triathlon Championships and the progress of the ‘Never Give Up’ campaign Aengus King, Brand Manager for Powerade said, “Throughout this campaign we wanted to demonstrate that any challenge is possible if you have a focus and commitment. With the right mix of training, diet and making essentials such as pre-hydrating with Powerade part of your pre-sport routine, it really is possible to achieve your goal, whatever your ability. Will is one the few first-time competitors entering the Lough Neagh triathlon. With this in mind, we felt it was a fitting event for us to be involved in as the first time sponsors of the All-Ireland Triathlon Championship in Lough Neagh.” Paul O’Connell, who has been supporting Will with advice on training, has been encouraged by the commitment he has shown, “I have met Will a few times now and what has impressed me the most is his sheer determination. Certainly his fitness has improved which is no surprise given the level of training he has been doing in the last few months, but I think it is the ambition and focus he has to complete this that will see him across the finish line come August.” Bob Davison, organiser of the Lough Neagh triathlon added, “Lough Neagh has been a fixture on the Triathlon calendar since 2001 and has seen a tremendous growth in the number of participants and supporters over the years. Much of the ethos of the event is on fun and participation. Whilst there are serious competitors and regulars on the triathlon circuit taking part, what better way is there for Powerade to support that ‘Never Give Up’ spirit than by partnering with us and cheering on their own hopeful, Will Cullen.” To follow Will’s training progress, and for further information on Powerade and the impact pre-hydrating can have on an athlete’s performance log on to: www.nevergiveup.ie To donate in Will’s effort to fight against Sudden Adult Death Syndrome log onto: www.nevergiveup.ie or www.materfoundation.ie For further information on the Powerade National Triathlon Championships triathlon, log onto: www.loughneaghtri.com For further information on Will’s chosen cause, Sudden Adult Death Syndrome, log onto www.materfoundation.ie or www.thecormactrust.com Results from Churchill Fair 2007