East Essex Triathlon Club had a busy and successful weekend with club members organising and competing in the annual Grays Triathlon at Blackshotts Leisure Centre.

With competitors ranging from those taking on their first triathlon to age group GB athletes, there was a wide range of experience and abilities enjoying the race on a sunny morning.

The fast course enabled some impressive times to be posted, with the overall winner Chris Hovenden recording a finishing time of 57 minutes and 40 seconds.

East Essex Tri junior Grace Goodall won the women’s trophy in a time of 1:04.38.

East Essex triathletes also made the podium in several other categories.

Anna Meggitt was second for the senior ladies, in 1:08.49, while Jo Sullivan celebrated her birthday by winning the veteran ladies in 1:10.51, ahead of Jane Bramble (1:14.05).

In the men’s under-21 category, Tom Muers triumphed in 1:03.15, with Ben Brooks and Ben Gordon coming in second and third place respectively.

In the veterans race, Ian George claimed second place in 1:01.39 and Bill Smith was third.

The sprint distance race saw the competitors complete a 400m pool swim, followed by a 20km bike through Orsett village and Grays and a 5km run around the leisure centre.

Race director Mark Williams said: “The feedback from all the competitors and supporters has been really positive and we got great feedback from the British Triathlon Federation race officials.”