A duathlon aimed at encouraging more people to take on multi-discipline sporting challenges attracted 20 athletes who completed a 2km run, 8km cycle ride and a final 1.5km run.

The low-key ‘GO TRI’ Sudbury Duathlon was the first event held by the newly-formed TRI Sudbury club and served as a taster for a full ‘sprint’ triathlon that will be held in the town this summer.

Taking place on Fathers’ Day, June 19, participants will have to tackle a 21.5km cycle through scenic countryside to Bures and back before completing a 400m swim in an open-air pool and 5km run. Thomas Gainsborough School in Great Cornard is hosting the event and organisers are hoping it will eventually become an important part of Sudbury’s sporting calendar.

The idea of the recent duathlon was to provide a challenge with achievable short distances. For many taking part it was their first taste of multi-discipline competition.

Andrew Bigg, race director, said: “It was great to see so many new faces who want to come and have a go.

“It is fantastic to see such enthusiasm for the sport in the area. The diversity of the competitors that we had today really shows how accessible this sport is and how it really can be for everyone.”

The duathlon was won by Murray Baker in a time of 32:30, narrowly beating Mark Smith on the second run leg. They were both followed closely by Robert Davies – celebrating his 50th birthday – who finished third after an impressive bike leg. Tom Codling finished in fourth place as the first junior with two very quick runs. Shân Bendall was the first female finisher in ninth position after some swift transitions.

The club is keen to encourage more competitors to take on the sprint triathlon. People can enter as individuals and do all three disciplines or as a team of three, with one person doing the swim, one the cycle and one the run. Each entrant will receive a commemorative t-shirt and a raffle ticket.

Mr Bigg added: “Our aim is to make this the most friendly and well-organised triathlon in Suffolk. It will be great for Sudbury to have another sporting event on the annual calendar.”

Visit www.trisudbury.com for details.