A record 200 competitors entered the annual Triathlon race at the Lord Butler Leisure Centre in Saffron Walden on Sunday. The competition included a 750m swim, 28km bike ride and 5km cross-country run. The race is now becoming a premier event in the east

A record 200 competitors entered the annual Triathlon race at the Lord Butler Leisure Centre in Saffron Walden on Sunday.

The competition included a 750m swim, 28km bike ride and 5km cross-country run.

The race is now becoming a premier event in the eastern region and despite the wet and chilly weather, the racing was hotly contested with the overall result going down to the wire.

Two times winner Lee Barker withdrew with a back injury, leaving a tight contest between Mike Ratcliffe (Walden Tri), Peter Siljhuis (SIS Sport) and Billy Parker-Brown (Tri & Run).

The race was decided on the bike course with Peter Slijhuis building a tremendous lead and winning in an overall time of 1hr 14mins.

The overall ladies winner was Jackie Wastell (London Heathside) in 1hr 31mins, with Kate Scotter (Tri Anglia) second in 1hr 36mins

The Walden Tri is renowned as a serious sprint event because of the length of each leg, and the continuous heavy rain made the race even more challenging than usual on the bike and run section.

The 5k cross-country course became increasingly muddy and slippery as the large field of runners pounded the track, which made underfoot conditions more difficult for the elite athletes who were the last to run.

As well as the seasoned competitors, there was ample evidence of emerging local talent from both Walden Tri and Saffron Striders.

Walden Tri's Jack Peasgood (1hr 17mins) in fourth, George Alexander (1hr 20mins) in eighth and Mike Ratcliffe (1hr 15mins) third, all won their respective age groups with Kate Bozianu as a runner up.

Chris Dodge in an excellent 21st place in 1hr 25 mins for his first triathlon and Gavin Long (1hr 31mins), led home other Saffron Striders including Kate Holden (1hr 40mins), who also won her age group

The team event was won by Royston Runners in 1hr 19mins.

Chair of Walden Tri club, Derek Jones, said: "Walden Tri would like to thank all volunteers and marshals who gave up their Sunday morning to stand in the rain and to the race sponsors, Newdales Cycles, Kestrel Physiotherapy, Runnerway and Kevin Henry for their excellent support in ensuring that the Walden Triathlon continues to remain a major event in the region's sporting calendar.