THE host club's Gill Thomas took the honours in the open ladies' race at Worcester Stirling Triathlon Club's Sprint Triathlon.

A field of almost 200 athletes competed over the sprint distance of a 400m metres swim, 25km undulating bike and a hilly 5km run.

Thomas completed the course in 1.20.16, including an excellent bike split of 46.41 putting her in the top 25 fastest competitors on the bike course.

She was closely pursued by new club member Sue Thomas (1.21.19). and Sally Rowntree (1.21.34).

The race was based at the Sansome Walk swimming pool where many spectators enjoyed the excitement.

Overall male winner was Jon Ashby of Climb on Bikes (Ludlow) in a fast time of 1.04.19, followed by Ian Coupland (Telford AC) in 1.07.07 and local triathlete Steve Dudfield in 1.08.09.

Other Worcester members in the prizes were: Lady Veterans, 1 Rose Townsend-Hope 1.23.42, Gail Flanaghan 1.26.18; Male Super Veterans, 2 Dave Hope 1.24.47; Female Super Veterans, 1 Sally Dodwell 1.32.13; Female Juniors, 1 Gail Owen 1.20.57.

Other club members competing were Neil Ashton 1.13.47, Nic Fieldon 1.21.24, Matt Thomas 1.22.25, Richard Stedman 1.23.25, Jemima Twist 1.23.28 and Stephen Webster 1.32.04.

The club's next race will be a Biathon (400yds swim and 5km run) on Sunday, December 3.

More information on this event and club membership is available from club secretary Ros Townsend-Hope on 01905-454276.