Whitchurch Triathlon Club has enjoyed another successful few weeks with a number of competitions under their belt, including a home effort at the town's Alderford Lake.

Athletes from the group also competed further up the A41 at Chester in a busy few weeks for the club while some members also enjoyed success over long forms such as 10ks and marathon event sin the north west.

A club spokesperson said the events are a sign that the summer is on its way, with more tests on the horizon for the members.

They said: "As we move from May into June, triathlon training and racing typically steps up a gear, with running events and short distance triathlons making way for the longer distance endurance events.

"This was certainly the case for several Whitchurch Triathlon club members who were taking part in longer distance events for the first time.

"The focus this weekend was on UK Triathlon’s Ultimate Triathlon at Alderford Lake, with full, half and quarter Ironman distance events taking place.

"With the sun out and temperatures up the racing was especially difficult; however, this didn’t stop our amazing athletes attempting new longer distances with impressive results.

"Rachel (Iron Lady) Boothman was competing in the Ultimate Triathlon, a 2.4 mile open water swim, 112-mile bike and a full marathon run to finish.

"Incredibly Rachel completed this in a staggering 13 hours, 36 minutes finishing – with a huge smile – as fourth-placed female.

"Carol Sturrock, Laragh McIntosh and Peter Dootson competed in the Ultimate Half event, a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile cycle and a 13.1 mile run and for Carol (7:20) and Laragh (7:28) this event was their first time at this challenging middle distance.

"Peter smashed his previous best by 16 mins to finish in 5:45. Graeme Sturrock faced up to his biggest challenge yet in the Ultimate quarter. He completed the 0.6 mile swim, 28-mile bike and 6.2 mile run well under his target 4 hours in 3:44.

"Meanwhile at the Deva Triathlon in Chester, Paul Brown and Nick Holmes were facing very stiff competition in a qualifier for the 2019 ITU Age Group World Championships.

"The 1500m river swim, 40km cycle and 10km run was completed by Paul in a 2:13:20 and Nick in 2:29:10.

"Despite the heat they both had a storming race to finish 3rd in their respective age groups which should serve them well for a place in next year’s championships in Lausanne.

"Previously, over at the Liverpool Rock and Roll Marathon, Libby Duddleston finished with a new personal best in an amazing 3:35:36 to finish 5th in her age group with Graeme Alexander close behind in an equally impressive 3:41:31.

"Meanwhile at the Cheshire Sprint Triathlon, Paul Brown took another age group win in a new personal best time of 1:02:58."

n For more about Whitchurch Triathlon Club, head to /www.whitchurchtriclub.co.uk/ or search Whitchurch Triathlon Club on Facebook where there are more details about the club for adults and juniors, and what offers they have. The club is affiliated to Triathlon England.

n For more on the club's great day at Alderford Lake, head to the Herald's centre pages. If you took part, see if you spot yourself.