Runners have a splashing time

3:56pm Friday 15th August 2008

Trowbridge athlete James Hart gave a gutsy performance to finish second in the Prostate UK Rowathlon held at Castle Combe on Sunday.

The event is similar to a triathlon but with the swim replaced by a session on a rowing machine. Competitors completed a 2.5km row, a 20km bike ride and a 3km run.

All eyes were on Hart in the event and after a very strong row and bike ride, he led the field at the final transition.

But Southampton athlete Marius Kwint, who is known for his fast finish, managed to chase down Hart and make him settle for second place.

Event organiser Will Whitmore said: "James did very well. He's been moving up the rankings at a fair rate of knots and he was in the mix right up until the end."

Earlier the EAS 10km had taken place with rain pouring down on the 144 runners as they lined up at the start. More than 20 running clubs were represented at the event, in which every single runner completed the course despite the atrocious conditions.

Avon Valley Runners had not previously won the club challenge but they were out in force on this occasion, with 14 runners competing.

Vojtech Hajdu was first man home for the club and also won the male vet 40 category to boot, while Liz Ringham was first woman home and third overall.

The first four Avon Valley Runners home were Alistair Bartlett, Tom Frost, Chris Stevens and Vojtech Hajdu.

The club overpowered a strong Team Bath outfit to clinched the club challenge by just five points.

Whitmore said: "The weather was pretty mad, especially at the start of the 10k. We got drenched within 30 seconds and I felt a bit sorry for the runners.

"Everyone finished so that was good and the feedback was that they still enjoyed it."

The final event of the day was the DB Max Duathlon and top Great Britain duathlete Wayne Smith turned out to try and break the course record, currently held by the Australian Raf Baugh.

Strong winds and a wet surface made it difficult for the GB athlete, who fell short of the record but still managed to dip under an hour.

A great performance from Trowbridge duathlete Andrew Grist in the same event saw him finish 11th and help DB Max Tri to first place in the club challenge.