IT'S been a busy few weeks for Black Country Triathletes competing in a range of events both at home and abroad.

A number of BCT athletes took on the Outlaw long distance triathlon in Nottingham on July 24 involving a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and 26.2 mile run. For one of those competing it was a first time for this distance and a major achievement for Lorraine Gaytten who finished in 15.45.03. Also competing were Matt Price who finished in 12.31.57 and Nigel Bolton in 12.33.25. Tim Price also completed the swim and part of the bike course but sadly after a nasty crash on the bike had to pull out.

The following weekend three Black Country triathletes Chris Wood, Liz Hettle and Imi Spencer competed in the Cotswolds Standard Triathlon at Ashton Keynes and took on a 1,500m open water swim, a 41km bike and a 9k run. Wood finished eighth overall and first in his age group.

On the continent a troupe of BCT athletes travelled out to France to compete in the Alpe D’Huez triathlon events which took place during the last week in July.

Rob Kennard raced in the first event of the week, the duathlon consisting of an off road run, climb up Alpe D’Huez on the bike, finishing with a run at the top of the mountain.

Kennard came home sixth in his age group.

The juniors, not to be outdone, raced a triathlon on the Wednesday with Abigail Kennard finishing first in her heat, Lydia Silk third and Oliver Evans having a great race in his boys age group.

The end of the week saw the sprint distance triathlon which comprised of a lake swim, a bike leg climbing up Alpe D’Huez and finally an off road run at the top. It was a real family affair with Mark Evans and children Lauren Evans and Josh Evans also competing and Dave Evans and daughter Gemma Evans racing too. Mark was first home for the BCT athletes.

BRAT open water sprint triathlon saw Reece Ashfield, aged 16, take his first podium place in an adult race, he finished third in the open age group and fourth overall.

This was following his fifth place finish at Droitwich Sprint triathlon the weekend before where he finished first in the youth category.

Gary Bonner also competed at Droitwich and came third in his age group.

Meg Gregory competed in the Blithfield Sprint triathlon finishing third in her age group.

This weekend saw Liverpool hosting a variety of distance triathlon events. BCT triathletes competing in the Standard distance were David Nash finishing in 2.12.22, Steve Blakemore 2.14.26, Mark Evans 2.21.46, Lauren Evans 2.27.10, Mark Smith 3.21.59 and Tracy Smith in 4.26.22. In the youth race, Reece Ashfield finished in 36.13 and Zoe Brickley came home in 44.27.