After spending a long time out of action, an Oswestry runner returned to action to become a national duathlon champion.

Oswestry Olympian Steve Roberts had endured a long lay-off, but returned to action on Saturday, January 27 to compete in the English Duathlon Championships.

Taking place in Berkshire, Steve made the long journey to compete in his first event back.

The duathlon was carried out in the standard format of a 10k run, 40k cycle and 5k run.

In a great return performance, Steve was able to outpace his competitors and finish first in his category to become M65 English Duathlon champion.

Looking ahead, Steve is now focusing on bringing home more championships.

Next up is the British Duathlon Championships in early April where Steve will look to go one better and add to his English championship.

Later in April, Steve will travel to Pontevedra in north-west Spain to represent Great Britain and Oswestry Olympians as he competes in the Duathlon World Championships.