AROUND 100 junior triathletes from Pembrokeshire and beyond took part in the first ever Carew Airfield junior duathlon last weekend.

The juniors competed in four age-categories which included a fun duathlon, as well as races from TriStar 1 (age 9-10) to TriStar 3 (age 13-14).

Competitors arrived early morning for a full briefing, before being set off in waves at 11am. All athletes completed a run/bike/run course on a flat and fast course on the airfield, with distances depending on age category.

There was some fantastic racing from both boys and girls, some of whom were taking part in their first ever competitive race.

The duathlon attracted athletes from outside of the club, and Just Tri members put in some strong performances to claim podium places in all of the categories.

JustTri member Joseph Morris won the fun duathlon in a time of seven minutes and 35 seconds.

In the TriStars 2 category, the boys race was very competitive with three fast runners vying for the top spot. Finley Bruce ran strongly to clinch second place in 20 minutes and 15 seconds.

Maddy James led the girls race from the start, and crossed the line in first place, over one minute ahead of second place.

Megan Cole also put in a very strong performance to finish third in the TriStars 3 race behind two fast athletes.

All finishers were awarded with a medal and t-shirt, donated by Harbour Wealth, Independent Financial Planners of Tenby. Water was provided at the finish line by Princes Gate.

The event was organised by Just Tri Junior Triathlon Club, which was only set up last year by Sion Jenkins.

Sion commended everyone who had taken part and said that the day had been a great success.

β€œIt’s the first event of the year, and some of our kids will go on to race in the Welsh TriStars series this year,” he said.

The club has experienced a large surge in membership, partly due to the impact of Ironman Wales in Tenby. Now that the racing season has started, juniors will be able to compete in a series of events in Wales, known as the Welsh TriStars series.

For more information about Just Tri Junior Triathlon Club, email just_tri@hotmail.com.

Results:

Fun duathlon (400m run/1000m bike/200m run)

Girls: 1. Seren Bowen; 2. Skye Bruce (JustTri); 3. Milly Harris

Boys: 1. Joe Morris (JustTri); 2. George Luff; 3. Toby Hounsell (JustTri)

TriStars 1 (Age 9-10); (1200m run/2000m bike/400m run)

Girls: 1. Libby Hale; 2. Ella Harris; 3. Hazel Lister (JustTri)

Boys: 1. Ben Price; 2. Aron Bowen; 3. Solomon Silverstone (JustTri)

TriStars 2 (Age 11-12); (1600m run/4000m bike/600m run)

Girls: 1. Maddy James (JustTri); 2. Mia Cleave; 3. Bethany Clifford

Boys: 1. Ifan Bowen; 2. Finlay Bruce (JustTri); 3. Henry Evans

TriStars 1 (Age 13-14); (2000m run/6000m bike/800m run)

Girls: 1. Isabelle Price; 2. Eden Rae Davies; 3. Megan Cole (JustTri)

Boys: 1. Morgan Williams (JustTri); 2. Frazer Gregory; 3. James Price (JustTri)