THE annual Black Country Triathletes Splash N’ Dash Aquathon on Sunday saw local athletes and those from further afield take on a 400m pool swim and 5km run in Wombourne.

One athlete even travelled from Germany to race, whose home club is Oklahoma City Tri Club, giving the event a truly international feel.

First home overall was Phil Wolfe, from Mammoth Lifestyle Racing, for the men in a time of 22:45, with Daniel Shepperd in second in 23:22 and James Booker, from Warley Wasps, in third in 24:16.

For the ladies, the overall winner was Francesca Ryde, from University Of Birmingham, in 28:29 with BCT’s own Lauren Evans in second place in 29:43 and Amy Brammar, also University Of Birmingham, in third in 29:45.

Black Country Triathletes taking podium positions in the age group categories were Jack Tibbetts third in the Open Male in 27:11, Tim Lake third in the Vet category in 27:44, Gary Bonner first Super Vet in 28:27, Gary Hickman first Utlravet in 31:52 and Sue Payton second Super Vet in 36:39

Over 60 juniors also raced, competing in various distances depending on their age group. Black Country Triathletes were dominant in the field and took a number of the podium places.

In the youth category, girls Zoe Brickley came second and Lydia Silk third, for the youth boys Ollie Evans took first place, Reece Fletcher second and Ollie Mason third.

TS3 girls was won by Emma Grundy and for the boys Tom Hipwood was first and Cian Gopal third. In the TS2 girl’s category, Alex Westbury took first place and for the boys Jack Grundy was second and Charlie Shoaf was third.

Millie Bytheway finished first for the TS1 girls and Dylan Williams finished first in the TSS age group.

This completes the BCT race series for 2017, though all are looking forward to the 2018 season and the many racing opportunities that brings.

Anyone interested in joining the club can find full details at www.blackcountrytriathletes.com and are welcome to attend their first coached swimming session on a Wednesday night for free.