THE EIGHTH Taunton Triathlon saw keen athletes compete for first place on Saturday evening.

More than 200 participants gathered from 3pm until 5pm at Taunton School to begin the challenge.

Firstly, a 400m swim in the pool had to be completed, before jumping on their bikes for a 21km cycle.

The competitors had to deal with a brewing thunder and lightning storm as they made their way through the course.

The final element took athletes on a totally new and varied almost 6k run including the footbridge over Trenchard Way and a visit to the Canal and River path network via Firepool Lock, before enjoying the large crowds gathered at the finish line at the school.

Race organisers Immortal Sport predicted the winning time would be under 1hour.

The mens race overall saw a close battle, with honours finally taken following a dominant performance on the bike by Robert Shaw from Plymouth representing Kit Walker Triathlon. Second was local athlete Ashley Jackson representing Somerset RC Tri, with the final podium place taken by Ollie Caute from Seaton representing N1 Tri Club.

1st Robert Shaw, Plymouth, Kit Walker Triathlon 58:58

2nd Ashley Jackson, Taunton, Somerset RC Tri 1h 01:01

3rd Ollie Caute, Seaton, N1 Tri Club 1hr 02:47

Race winner Robert Shaw said: " I used the event as a nice hit out with Ironman 70.3 Staffordshire in just two weeks time. It is my first full season of triathlon and only my second ever sprint triathlon - making it two wins from two, backing up my win from Wincanton sprint triathlon in April."

In the race for overall honours in the Ladies race, it was again a very close battle. A very strong swim and run from Elaine Hurley from Sherborne, was just about enough to make up for her less dominant performance on the bike to take a great victory, just ahead of Tanya Lewis from Taunton representing Athlos. Third place went to Hannah Colston from Tavistock Triathlon Club

1st Elaine Hurley, Sherborne 1hr 11:37

2nd Tanya Lewis, Taunton, Athlos 1hr 12:46

3rd Hannah Colston Tavistock Triathlon Club 1hr 13:53

A spokesman for Immortal Sports said: "Big thank you to Taunton School, St Johns Ambulance, Alfies Ices, Zone 3, Glastonbury Spring Water and most importantly the volunteer marshals who make these events possible

"We plan to host the 2019 race on the same weekend, and also are inviting young triathletes to take part in a new for 2019 Junior Race in the grounds of Taunton School in the afternoon before the senior race in the evening."