The 2016 Deva Triathlon took place on Sunday with 700 athletes taking on the challenge of a swim in the River Dee, bike ride into the Welsh countryside before a run through the streets of Chester.
Matthew Barnes took top spot with the Manchester Triathlon Club man completing the Olympic distance course in 2:01:05.
Kimberley Bell made it a double for Manchester Triathon Club with victory in the women's race, posting a time of 2:16:57.
Barnes finished three minutes and 14 seconds ahead of second-placed Angus Smith from Pedal Potential (2:04:19) with Andy Gray third quickest in a time of 2:05:55.
Karen Shimmin (2:18:59) chased home Bell to finish as the second fastest woman with Erica Booth from Tri Rivington third in 2:20:36.
The weekend's downpours held off the race with a good crowd turning out to cheer on the competitors.
LOOK: Gallery from the 2016 Deva Triathlon
Beginning from the Groves with a 1500m swim in the River Dee, the transition to the bikes took place in Grosvenor Park before a 40km ride into Wales via Eccleston, Rossett and Borras and back into Chester via Alford and Boughton.
The final leg of the race was a 10km run which crossed the Old Dee Bridge and the suspension bridge before finishing at the bandstand next to the river.
Overall winner Barnes completed the swim in 21:16, the cycle in 1:02:58 and the run in 35:05.
There was a strong representation from organisers Chester Triathlon Club as ever with Andy White the quickest male in 2:13:34 and Traci Shipley the fastest female in 2:27:19.
There was a longer middle distance race made up of a 1900m swim, 87km bike ride and 21km run.
Chris Standidge from Torq came home in first place in a time of 3:54:50 with Brian Foggart from Fitt second in 3:55:33 and Phil Wolfe of Mammoth Lifestyle Racing Team third fastest in 4:04:20.
Jenny Latham from Wakefield Triathlon Club took the honours in the women's race in 4:28:00 with Alison Stewart of Harttree Jets Ecosse second in 4:35:38 and Lindsay Griffiths from Total Tri Training third in 4:43:26.
This was the 18th renewal of Deva Triathlon which has grown to become one of the most popular triathlons in the UK.
Deva Triathlon 2016 age group winners
Cat D (20-24): Angus Smith (Pedal Potential) 2:04:19 and Juliet May (Barracuda Triathlon Club (2:32:46)
Cat E (25-29): Andy Gray 2:05:55 and Kimberley Bell (Manchester Triathlon Club) 2:16:57
Cat F (30-34): Simon McGlone (Manchester Triathlon Club) 2:14:30 and Paula Burrows (Tyne Triathlon) 2:24:50
Cat G (35-39): Matthew Barnes (Manchester Triathlon Club) 2:01:05 and Erica Booth (Tri Rivington) 2:20:36
Cat H (40-44): Jonathon Mann (Chorley Athletic and Triathlon Club) 2:10:03 and Anna Shimali (Chester Triathlon Club) 2:38:52
Cat I (45-49): Julian Goudge (Chorley Athletic and Triathlon Club) 2:11:43 and Alison Sutcliffe (Warrington Tri Club) 2:41:12
Cat J (50-54): Andy White (Chester Triathlon Club) 2:13:34 and Traci Shipley (Chester Triathlon Club) 2:27:19
Cat K (55-59): Andy Bourne (Tri Sport Epping) 2:10:36 and Ruth Isaacs 2:34:39
Cat L (60-64): Miran Aprahamian (Stockport Tri Club) 2:52:54 and Teresa Hollins (Rochdale Tri Club) 2:58:38
Cat P (75-79): Peter Norman (Wrecsam Tri Club) 4:01:17
