A FORMER world record holder was in Ely for the city s second annual triathlon relay and Aquathlon. Ron Jones MBE, who was part of the record-breaking British 4 x 100 yard relay team in 1963 and captain of the British athletics squad in the Mexico 68 Oly

A FORMER world record holder was in Ely for the city's second annual triathlon relay and Aquathlon.

Ron Jones MBE, who was part of the record-breaking British 4 x 100 yard relay team in 1963 and captain of the British athletics squad in the Mexico '68 Olympics, presented medals at the event in Ely on Sunday, which was sponsored by the Ely Standard.

Athletes from the city's swimming, running and cycling clubs competed in 20 triathlon teams drawn at random.

Members of The City of Ely Swimming Club started the relay with a 400m swim, before handing over the baton to Ely and District Cycling Club riders. They competed over a 20km before Ely Runners completed the race with a 5km run around the school's sports grounds.

Local school children aged from nine to 16 took part in their own event - called an Aquathlon. A swim of 100m was followed by a run around the King's School playing field of just over 800m.

The children were divided into three age groups to win medals and every child taking part received a free commemorative T-shirt.

Event organiser Alison O'Connor, from the swimming club, said: "I am delighted that once again our three Ely clubs have worked together to put on a fantastic event. The team triathlon format worked really well, and most competitors achieved personal best times - particularly some of the younger swimmers.

"The local kids who entered the Aquathlon all did a superb job. We had more than 40 competitors in this event, twice as many as last year, and although most were from the Ely area, we did have two from as far away as Sidcup in Kent! We have already spoken to our hosts, The King's School, and have been given the green light to do it all again next year."

Mark Anderson from Specsavers presented the triathlon trophies and Mr Jones presented the medals to the Aquathletes.

In addition to the competition, there was a lot going on to keep everyone entertained, with a barbecue, sportswear stall, ice cream van, and Q103's Black Thunders providing music and commentary.

The organisers had enormous support from a number of local businesses.

They would like to thank: The Ely Standard, Peterborough-based Escape Fitness, Specsavers in Ely, Ely and District Round Table, the Mayor of Ely's Fund, the Paradise Centre, Tesco, Dynamic Creative, The Art and Design Studio, Ely Print and Complete Imaging.

The winning times were as follows:

TRIATHLON RELAY.

FIRST PLACE 59mins 30sec

Swimmer Jack O'Connor

Cyclist Marc Cox

Runner Rachel Roberts

SECOND PLACE 1hr 0mins 48 sec

Swimmer Braddan Westlake

Cyclist Andy Stephens

Runner Tony Robinson

THIRD PLACE 1hr 1min 8sec

Swimmer Maya Westlake

Cyclist George Webb

Runner Pete Harris

AQUATHLON.

GIRLS

AGE 9-10

First India Baynes 7min 12.13sec

Second Nicolette Dyer 7min 56.16sec

Third Beth Bartlett 7min 58.32sec

AGE 11-13

First Libby Milne 6min 31.70sec

Second Georgia Baynes 7min 01.07sec

Third Helen Garrod 7min 14.41sec

AGE 14-16

First Jessica Hill 6min 18.95sec

Second Katie Dunkley 6min 53.88sec

Third Jessica Owen 7min 03.20sec

BOYS

AGE 9-10

First Harry Love 6min 17.25sec

Second Tyler Allen 7min 06.86sec

Third Ross Mortimer 7min 31.45sec

AGE 11-13

First Thomas Johnston 5min 17.84sec

Second Jack Bartlett 5min 43.80sec

Third Matty Garner 5min 43.86sec

AGE 14-16

First Alex Garner 5min 50.73sec

Second James Coghlan 6min 34.06sec

Third Sam Dunkley 6min 44.76sec

More details of all sponsors and supporters, as well as a full list of results and images, are available now at www.elytriathlon.co.uk