THE Deva Divas Triathlon attracted the usual mix of expert athletes and beginners.
Almost 300 athletes took part in the annual women-only sprint triathlon on Sunday, with around three-quarters of the field taking part in an event of this kind for the first time.
Competitors this year included BBC Breakfast’s Louise Minchin, who lives in the Chester area, and a group of 25 female Cheshire Police officers who wore kit commemorating PCs Nicola Hughes and Fiona Bone, who were killed on duty in September last year.
Women new to triathlon and to sport in general are helped by race director Sally Napthen and Chester Triathlon Club coaches to train for and compete in the race.
Support for aspiring triathletes starts in January, with a series of seminars, training days and workshops assisted by race sponsors Global Bike of Tattenall.
The race, based on The Meadows, started with a 750m swim in the River Dee. Competitors then jumped on their bikes for a 25km ride to Marford, before running 5km round the Meadows to reach the finish line.
For many, finishing is the main aim – though prizes are awarded for the top individuals overall and in each age category.
Gemma Adams was the overall winner, and her TriPreston club took the team prize.
Susan Fourie was the fastest Chester Triathlon Club finisher and winner of the 35-39 age category, in seventh place with a time of one hour, two minutes and 32 seconds.
