The Westport Triathlon takes place on 15th August 2026 against the stunning backdrop of Croagh Patrick and Clew Bay. The Olympic distance (1500m swim, 40k cycle, 10k run) starts at 8.30am, with the Super Sprint (400m swim, 20k cycle, 5k run) starting at 9.00am. That early start means you’ll need to think a bit about your nutrition the night before, not just on the morning itself.
In the days before
Eat your normal, balanced meals, with a bit more focus on carbohydrates like pasta, rice, potatoes and bread. Don’t try new foods this week — stick to what your stomach knows.
Race Morning Nutrition for the Westport Triathlon
With an 8.30am start, you should ideally eat two to three hours beforehand, which means being up and eating around 5.30-6am. If that’s not realistic for you, there is another option: eat a good carbohydrate-rich dinner the evening before, then have a small, easy-to-digest snack on race morning — a banana, a slice of toast, or even a sports drink you can sip in the car. This tops you up without needing a full breakfast at an early hour. Avoid anything heavy or greasy, and sip water steadily rather than all at once.
During the Super Sprint
You likely won’t need to eat anything. A few sips of water on the bike is usually enough.
During the Olympic distance
Because this takes longer, bring an energy gel to take on the bike, ideally partway through the 40k. Practise this in training first, so your stomach is used to it. Take small sips of water throughout the cycle and run too.
If it’s a hot day
Warm weather means you lose more salt through sweat. Consider a gel with added salts, or a salt tablet alongside your usual gel, to help avoid cramping.
After the finish
Have something with carbohydrates and protein within half an hour, and keep drinking water for the rest of the day.
