CLOSE to 300 hardy competitors took on the Hot Chilli Tri at the weekend, just topping the 2015 entry field.

The forecast was poor but the weather remained fair, with wind for most of the day.

Based from Trowbridge Sports Centre and Clarendon playing fields, there were two adult races - the Enduro and the Sprint.

The Enduro saw competitors swim 600m, cycle 45km and run 10km, while the Sprint consisted of a 400m swim followed by a 23km bike ride and 5km run.

The Enduro race went off first, with the pool swim starting at 7.30am before the athletes went into transition in the tennis court and out on a flat bike course winding through North Bradley, Southwick, Rode, Standerwick, Dilton Marsh and Brokerswood.

They then headed back to Clarendon for another transition into the 10km run, which compromised three laps of Southwick Country Park before returning to the finish line.

Paul Ransome emerged at the head of the pack, triumphing in 2hrs 6mins 37secs, with Sam Tabberner (2:08:46) second and David Hobbs (2:09:30) third, with the latter also the first Vet Male.

Anna-Marie Watson was the first female home in 2:25:09, ahead of Tanya Lewis (2:28:36) – also first Vet Female – and Shonsel Ballard (2:31:16).

First Super Vet Male was Vincent Hounsome (2:13:47), while Clare Graham (2:47:42) took the prize amongst the ladies.

The men’s sprint race was won by. Will Crudgington in 1:07:14, beating Fredrick Webb (1:10:09) and Luke Oakes (1:15:42).

Anna Seymour clocked 1:16:54 to be the first lady home, with Lysa Fairhurst (1:23:28) second – and first Vet Female - and Michelle Kerfoot (1:23:48) third.

Stuart Curtis was the first Vet Male home and first Super Vet, with Amanda Drabble the best amongst the ladies.

There were also children’s events held as Hot Chilli launched their youth section this year, comprising an aquathlon format for athletes aged between eight and 15.

Distances varied from 50m swim and 400m run upwards, with finishing times from under five minutes to almost 20 through the age categories as distances increased.

Tri Start winners were Logan Bolwell (4:11), Joseph Martindale (9:11), Lawrence Martindale (9:57) and Steve Kerfoot (19:25), while James Wright won the junior race in 19:30.

Anyone interested in taking up triathlon can visit www.hotchillitri.co.uk for more details or email membership@hotchillitri.co.uk.