Tri Not To Die secure team award at Darwen Tower

The annual event was held in perfect conditions and attracted 88 athletes from across the north west.

All took on the challenge of swimming 600m of the Darwen pool, cycling 21km through Tockholes, Belmont and back down the A666 to the transition at the leisure centre, and a gruelling 8km run over farm tracks and moorland paths to Darwen Tower, before descending steeply to the finish back at the leisure centre.

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Gill, who had the fastest bike split (43mins 49secs), was followed in second by Craig Gouldthorpe (1hr 41mins), who was five seconds faster than Andrew Doyle in third.

First female was Liz McLellan in 1hr 54mins with Darwen Dashers members Janine Fallon second (2hrs 1min) and Jennifer Aldworth third (2hr 5mins).

Other locals who finished in the top 10 included Andy Smith (fourth), Will Garner (fifth) and Jonny Bromilow (sixth), of the newly formed Darwen Triathlon Club. ‘Tri Not To Die’ were the first team home.

Ruth Johnson, of Darwen Masters Swimming Club, got the team off to the perfect start with the fastest swim of the day in just 9mins 7secs.

‘Tri Not To Die’ finished in 1hr 39mins, which was well clear of The Chancers in second.

The event was organised by My Tri Events and was marshalled by Bold Venture Scout Group with Darwen Masters Swimming Club providing poolside support and swim timing.

n The inaugural Pendle Family Running Festival takes place this weekend.

Held at the Whitehough Outdoor Education Centre in Pendle, the eagerly anticipated event features a variety of races for adult and children.

On Saturday there is a hilly 10k or half marathon and on Sunday there is a trail race and an orienteering score event.

On both days there is a fun run for children.

With camping and bunk rooms available, there are plenty of other activities on offer too including high ropes, low ropes, archery and climbing.

For more information visit www.pfrf.co.uk or email molly@pfrf.co.uk or call 07773 866692.