Dunmow can boast a new world champion.

Jonathan Albon, who was raised in the town, won the first independent world championships for obstacle course racing in Cincinnati, USA, last Saturday.

The 25-year-old, who now lives in Norway, excelled in the 8.8 mile race over mountainous terrain encompassing many man-made obstacles including high walls, monkey bars, cargo nets and crawls.

He said: “I was hopeful I could make the podium, but told myself I would be happy with top 10.

“I was fortunate the hilly technical nature of the route suited me, but am immensely proud to have won all the same.

“This race topped off an intense six weeks where I have also raced the Spartan World Championships and the Limone extreme skyrace.

“[With] the last major race of the year done I can now look forward to some enjoyable training and a few races back home in the UK.”

Around 20 British athletes flew to the USA to take part in the race with $10,000 prizes available to the fastest male and female elites.

Albon was victorious in the men’s elite wave with a convincing lead over Canadian Ryan Atkins.

American Hobie Call came third.

This is the second major championship that Albon has triumphed in recently after winning the Spartan Race World Championships in September in Killington, Vermont, USA.