In previous races, moving the bikes has presented a logistical challenge, with participants using the CalMac ferry to Kerrera island before returning to Oban for the swimming race.
Now, with a change of course and the services of Scottish Sea Farms’ landing craft, the Hollie Rose, the two-day event will be more accessible for racers and spectators.
The race, taking place this Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 September, will start and finish at the north end of the island at Kerrera Marina, beginning with a 600m swim from Scottish Sea Farms’ slipway.
Competitors will then mount their bikes – transported early in the morning on both days by the 19m Hollie Rose – for the 16km ride to Gylen Castle at the south end of the Island.
Back at the marina, the 8.5km trail run will take in the north end of Kerrera with views towards Dunollie Castle.
Scottish Sea Farms Marine Engineering Manager Craig Cameron, who is competing in the triathlon as well as organising assistance with the vessel and slipway, said the race was exactly the kind of event the company liked to support.
‘The triathlon promotes healthy living and the great outdoors, and as a local business with salmon farms nearby we are delighted to lend a hand.
‘We have the resources with our newest and biggest landing craft and its crew, who’ll do several trips on both days to get all the bikes across and back again following the race.
‘We are expecting to shift 330 bikes on the Saturday and 210 on the Sunday.
‘Competitors, who come from far and wide, will just have to hop on the foot passenger ferry from Oban to Kerrera Marina on the race days,’ added Cameron, who has taken part in the triathlon in the past and is aiming to complete the course in under two hours.
Paul McGreal, founder of organiser Durty Events, said: ‘Craggy Island Triathlon is a much-loved event. It gets amazing support both from our participants and the community of Kerrera over the whole weekend.
‘The logistics of the event are tough for us as organisers. Getting that many people, bikes and equipment to the start line is tricky as everything has to move across from Oban by boat.
‘We are hugely grateful to Scottish Sea Farms for their support of Craggy Island Triathlon – they literally have made it possible.’
Photo very kindly care of Andy Upton on behalf of Durty Events