COMPETITORS braved the typically cold, wet and blustery weather of the South Lakes to compete in the annual Westmorland Triathletes, Kendal Duathlon sponsored by Pride Health & Fitness and Kentdale Landrover.

Mark Laithwaite won in a commendable time of 1:02:52 considering the conditions on the bike course.

The womens race was won by Catherine Hare in 1:08:46, more than three minutes faster than second-placed Sue Jones.

A question mark hung over the running of the race in the morning but, once the British Triathlon Association sanc-tioned referee gave the green light, just under 90 competitors, headed off on the fast 2.5mile run leg from Kentdale Landrover.

On the 12mile bike leg, wind conditions proved a telling factor, and competitors started to spread out with stronger cyclists clearly making their advantage count.

Those thinking that it would be an easy run in on the second half of the bike leg, which is mainly downhill, were faced by strong head winds, which sapped what little peddle power remained after the long drag up the Shap Road.

Nevertheless, both Mark and Catherine looked reasonably strong as they completed the second 2.5mile run leg to win the overall places in their respective age groups.

A number of strong racers competed for honours in the Vets categories, with Barry Jamerson and Cristine Shovsksmith winning the overall vets categories.

Pride Health & Fitness prizes for the first local athletes to finish the course went to Nigel Hooker and Hilde Krynen.

Results: Male: Overall – 1 M. Laithwaite, 1:02:52; 2 M. Pluckrose, 1:04.09; 3 A. Sowerby, 1:04:45. Overall Vet – B. Jamerson, 1:04:50. Vet 40 – M. Woods, 1:10:25. Vet 45 – D. Morbey. 1:09:44. Vet 50 – J. Booth, 1:10:03; Vet 65 – P. Knott, 1:25:14 Local – N. Hooker.

Female: Overall – 1 C. Hare, 1:08:46; S. Jones, 1:12:02; 3 N. King, 1:15:27. Overall Vet – C. Shovsksmith, 1:16:26. Vet 40 – C. Somerscocks 1:20:03. Vet 45 - M. Heskwith, 1:19.05. Vet 50 – A. Sheddon, 1:32:23. Junior – L. Hannel, 1:21:10. Local - H. Krynen.