Unique kids triathlon on Sandwell Valley

Organised by Oldbury Swimming and Triathlon Club (OSTC), competitors ranging from eight to 15-years-old competed across five different age groups.

The racing action took place in West Bromwich, along Swan Pool and Forge Lane, the latter being closed for two hours for the triathlon to take place.

The youth event, for 15-year-olds, saw the longest distanced course of the triathlon held. A 400m swim was followed by a 7km cycle ride and 2,700m run.

Joel Roura took top place on the podium, posting a time of 30 minutes and 10 seconds. Gregor Kelling and Reece Ashfield finished second and third respectively.

The Tri Star 3 course, aimed at 13 to 14-year-olds, was just under 9km long. A 6,000m cycle race followed a 300m swim with a 2,400m run for the finish.

Thomas Hughes posted the best finish with a time of 26:56. The split between second and third was a mere two seconds, Hayden Greaves finished behind Hughes with Fynn Batkin close behind.

The Tri Star 2 course, for 11 to 12-year-olds, consisted of a 200 metre swim, a 4,000m cycle and an 1,800m run.

Osian Perrin finished first with a time of 19:34 followed by Ben Edwards and Alana Meenan in second and third.

In the Tri Star 1 event, a time of 14:18 saw Ruben Snelson claim first place, with Grace Nolan and Amy Harland finishing behind.

Tri Star 1, aimed at 9 to10-year-olds, consisted of a 150m swim, a 2,000m cycle race and a 1,500m.

The youngest age group, the Tri Start, saw children aged seven and eight compete over a 2km course. The first leg saw a 50m swim, followed by a 1,500m cycle and a 600m run.

Frederico Salcedo came first with a time of 10:01, followed by Scarlett Williams and Elana-Rose Fereday.

Speaking after the racing, Triathlon head coach Karl Fletcher said: "I'd like to say thank you to everyone who came to race and to support OSTC's Triathlon event at Sandwell Valley.

"We had over 160 boys and girls racing the only event in the West Midlands to offer open water swimming, a closed public road and an all road and path-run course.

"There were some very fast times indeed, with all the children managing to cross the finish line.

"It was always questionable to have a race on Father's Day but thank you to all the selfless dads who came to support their children.

"A big thank you to all our sponsors Brindley Honda West Bromwich, Brotherton Cycles and Brandon Hire.

"And to all the club members, parents and friends who helped set up and run this event, without them the event would not be possible."