PETERSFIELD Triathlon Club (PTC) held its fourth sprint triathlon event at Churcher’s College on Sunday.

The event was sold out, as 320 athletes entered to complete a course of a 400m swim, 25km cycle and 5km run, all in the spectacular surroundings of Petersfield.

PTC race director Simon Russell said: “The sun shone for us, and everyone had a great day – the feedback has been simply fantastic. Big thanks to all who competed, marshalled and organised, all of whom are essential in making it the success it was.

“We are so grateful to our many sponsors, all local businesses, without them the event would be a much more modest affair.”

Event manager and PTC coach Kim King said: “I’m so proud to have been part of the team, and successfully executing our fourth sprint triathlon. It’s so rewarding to see competitors go from nervously waiting to start in the pool, contrasted with huge beaming smiles as they cross the line, and triumphantly sporting their finishers’ T-shirts and medals, and comparing results with friends.”

The oldest entrant was 72-year-old Bill Farnham, who cycled with his wife from Hayling Island to compete in the event and then cycled back again. The youngest competitor in the youth event was just 15 years old.

Once again, the club partnered with FitzRoy, a local charity working with people with disabilities. Although the figure is yet to be finalised, money raised for FitzRoy has exceeded last year’s total of £3,500. Medals were presented to finishers by FitzRoy volunteers.

FitzRoy chief executive Anna Galliford presented the event winner trophies and age group category prizes.

The winning male and first overall was Peter Campbell, who finished in 1hr 8min. The winning female and 27th overall was Emily Iredale, who finished in 1hr 21min.

Emily said: “I thoroughly enjoy taking part in this, one of my local races. Despite a blustery headwind on the bike course, and numb feet on the run, it felt great to be back racing tri after having my little girl almost 11 months ago. Really well organised and a very friendly atmosphere, the race has gone from strength to strength. Winning it was the perfect end to the summer.”