IT rained, it was cold and it was windy – but the dismal weather did not deter a field of 340 athletes from taking part in the Deva Triathlon.

Sunday’s race, which featured a 1,500m swim through the River Dee, a 40k bike and 10k run, attracted competitors from as far field as Tenerife and Australia.

But the race winner was from much closer to home.

Beau Smith, from the City of Lancaster Triathlon Club, was the only athlete to finish in under two hours, crossing the finish line at Queen’s Park High School in a time of one hour, 57 minutes and 24 seconds.

Not far behind him in third was the highest local finisher, Peter Brook, who was third in 2.02:21.

Brook was among a field of more than 50 athletes from host club Chester Tri.

Club colleagues Ben Birks (2.10:35) and Mark Gittins (2.13:56) finished inside the top 20, with Andrew Howarth the next Chester finisher, and second in the 35-39 age group, in 2.16:19.

Chester Tri’s Paul Roberts, Zygmunt Cieply and Chris Binks also made the top three in their age categories.

In the women’s sections, Rebecca Heath of Manchester Triathlon Club put in a highly impressive bike time – 37th fastest overall – on her way to winning the women’s race.

But she was made to work all the way by Nicola King (Arragons Tri Club).

Chester Tri’s Bree Sutcliffe and Ide McEnery were fifth (2.27:58) and sixth (2.28:25) respectively, both also finishing second in their age groups, as did club-mate Becky Holland (2.32:36).

Chester Tri’s Ruth Isaacs, Julie Webb and Gill Clingham went one better to win their age categories, while Nania Mason was third in hers.

The biggest cheer of the day was reserved for the final competitor to cross the line, Paul Wrigglesworth, competing in the 60-64 category. He finished in 3.49:35.

For full list of results see www.chestertri.org.uk