A GROUP of athletes from Chippenham Triathlon Club competed at Ironman UK Bolton at the weekend.

The six competitors undertook the gruelling 2.4-mile lake swim, 112 miles on the bike and 26.2 miles run in warm conditions.

Great Britain athlete and club chairman Chris Maxwell was first home in an impressive 10 hours 25 minutes for 13th in his age category (40). Claire Francis was first female for the club in 13 hours 26 minutes and 15th in her age category (40).

A large club contingent had previously taken on a notoriously tough triathlon course in Tenby, south Wales the previous weekend.

The 13-strong group undertook a sea swim of either 1.2m miles or 2.4 miles, a hilly bike course of 45, 66 or 112 miles, ascending nearly 7,000 feet, followed by a run of distances from five kilometres to a full marathon.

Belinda Stephenson and David Walker both completed the full event, a taster of the full Ironman event held in September.

For more information on Chippenham Tri Club see chippenhamtri.org.uk.