HUNDREDS of spectators braced the wind and rain to cheer on the competitors in Sunday’s Pendle Triathlon.

A strong field from across the north of England assembled in Barnoldswick to tackle a testing event that comprises a 750m swim, a 22.4km cycle and a 5km run.

On the back of some strong early season performances at the Clitheroe Triathlon and Newby Hall Duathlon, one of the pre-race favourites, Stephen Gregory, of Pendle Triathlon Club, took the honours on the day, completing the course in a time of one hour and eight minutes.

That was a clear one minute and 28 seconds ahead of Rossendale Triathlon Club’s Jonathan Ferguson in second.

Louise Hanley, of Yorkshire-based team CrossTrax, led the ladies home in a time of 1hour, 17mins 36secs with Angela Knowles second.

From a local viewpoint 48 Pendle locals took part – and for some it was their first ever event.

Ruth Irons, from Barnoldswick, claimed the trophy for first local lady and Trawden’s Gregory added the first local male prize to his overall title.

Mark Burrows, chairman of the event organisers Pendle Triathlon Club, said: “The weather didn’t dampen anybody’s spirits. “The spectators and volunteer marshals were fantastic and provided an excellent atmosphere for really enjoyable and competitive racing. “The organising committee would like to say a big ‘thank you’ to all the volunteers who helped out and made the event a great success.” The trophies were presented by Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson.

Pendle Triathlon Club’s other finishers, behind Gregory, were Daniel Pearson (eighth in 1hour, 12mins 27secs), Adam Chilton (24th in 1hour 21mins 3secs), Stephen Woodcock (43rd in 1hour 27mins 39secs), Vinny Robinson (64th in 1hour, 29mins 28secs), Darren Shaw (1hour 30mins 51secs), Tony Robinson (75th in 1hour, 35mins 16secs), Gill Robinson (94th in 1hour, 45mins 51secs) and Rebecca Barr (1hour, 57mins 41secs).