triathletes from Worcester Stirling Triathlon Club were among 1,500 competitors taking part in the 20th Stroud Half Marathon.

First home for the club was Kevin May in 1.23.31 (103rd position), followed by Les Bailey 1.27.51 (180th) and Dave Higgins 1.28.07 (186th) having his first race for a long time.

Kevin May ventured down south for the Marlow Half Mara-thon on an undulating route.

May was satisfied with his time of 1.27.57 to be placed in 27th position from a field of over 200. The winner's time was 1.11.20.

More than 500 athletes entered the Tri and Run Ballbuster, at the famous beauty spot of Box Hill in Surrey. The route includes a two-mile zigzag road, which climbs the hill like a Swiss mountain pass, tough for those on foot or on bike.

The race starts at the top of the hill and incorporates an eight-mile run, followed by three circuits on a bike and finishing with another eight-mile run.

Only two Worcester members did the race. Kevin May, despite a knee injury on the second run, did a good 3hrs 21 mins. Les Bailey was pleased with his 3.23 as it was three minutes faster than three years ago. He was also the first over 60-year-old.

Twenty-seven miles run/walk over the Peak District in Derbyshire is not everyone's desire at the end of the triathlon year.

However club chairman Pete Jansen and Chas Eden ventured north and took part. The route was all off-road so competitors were continuously running/walking over very mixed terrain, including numerous streams and deep bogs.

It also needed good map-reading expertise and it was compulsory to have survival equipment in emergencies. The pair did the distance in 6 hrs and felt it was great stamina training.

Worcester Stirling Triathlon Club holds its annual Winter Biathlon at RNIB New College on Sunday, December 2.

The race incorporates a 400-metre swim followed by a 5km run, and will be followed by a children's race involving a 100m swim and 800m run.

Anyone wanting to enter can contact Dave Hope on 01905-454276.