YOUNGSTERS from across the region took part in Worcester Triathlon Club’s Children’s Duathlon.

The event, at the University of Worcester, saw juniors run and cycle various distances as part of the West Midlands Children’s Triathlon Series.

The youngest competitors in the Tri-Start category battled it out over a three kilometre course and Erin Staite, of Lichfield City Cycling Club, won the female event in seven minutes 29 seconds with Worcester Triathlon Club’s Tom Charles leading the boys home in 7.39.

Tri-Star One competitors completed a 1.2km run followed by a 4km cycle and a final 400-metre run.

Molly Shermer, of Cannock Phoenix, won the girls’ event in 14.22 with William Staite claiming the boys’ event in 13.32, emulating his sister’s earlier success.

Ellie Russell, from Oswestry Olympians, won the Tri-Star Two girls’ category, completing the 1.6km run, 6km cycle and 600m run in 18.46.

Worcester’s Ella Crowley finished seventh.

Lichfield CCC’s Harry Yates led the boys home in a time of 17.20 with Worcester’s Jack Raine, Ethan Hunter, Jacob Withington and James Sheldon achieving 10th, 11th, 14th and 15th place respectively.

Tri-Star Three competitors faced a 2km run, 8km cycle and 800m course.

West Midlands Triathlon Academy members Sian Rainsley and Megan McDonald dominated a strong girls’ field, finishing in 20.45 and 21.19 respectively.

In a close tussle for third place, Worcester duo Helen Jubb and Nixie Turner finished in 21.48 and 21.50 with Jubb passing Turner in the final 100m.

Worcester’s Jordan Prust and Rachel Powell, both with excellent bike times, came in seventh and eighth.

Finn Barnes, of Cambridge Triathlon Club, won the boys’ event in 21.32.

Henry Ward won the youth section for Worcester.