ATHLETICS: ALMOST 500 athletes tackled Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council's triathlon on Sunday.
The popular event, now recognised as one of the biggest events in the triathlon calendar, saw some of the sport's leading exponents showing off their swimming, cycling and running skills at Snow Hill Swimming Pool, Barony Park and the surrounding countryside.
The main categories were the sprint and elite races which saw competitors get to grips with a 750m swim, 20k bike ride and a 5k run.
Crewe and Nantwich BC sports development officer Geoff Beadle said: 'The event went very well and the weather held out for us. We were delighted to see so many people taking part again and the event is always a popular part of the sporting calendar in the borough.'
Duncan McKerracher, of the Total Fitness Club in Bath, won the elite section in 58mins 31secs.
Preston Triathlon Club's Charlotte Tomkins was the leading lady, finishing 16th in the sprint category in a time of 1hour 12mins 36secs.
Among the locals taking part were South Cheshire Harriers' Peter Mallison who finished fifth in the sprint section in 1h 10m 06s and Karen Kilcourse, representing Crewe Flyers Swimming Club, who was 110th.
Crewe Alexandra's fitness gurus Andy Franks and Mick Court also practised what they preached by putting themselves through their paces. Franks finished 119th and Court 187th.
The first Nantwich triathlon was held in July 1999 with 440 competitors aged from 14 to 72.
Mr Beadle added: 'We would like to thank everybody who entered and special thanks go out to the band of volunteers who helped with the organisation on the day and made it such a big success.'
