MORE than 130 athletes completed the first ever Canute Duathlon in Knutsford.

The race started with a run through Tatton Park, followed by a bike ride through Tatton’s grounds, before a final off-road run around Egerton Youth Club.

Participants could opt to do the shorter Super Sprint (3.5km run, 11km bike, 1.25km run,) or the longer Sprint event (5.5km run, 22km bike, 2.5km run.)

“The distances were really achievable as we wanted to make the Canute Duathlon appeal to people who might have done a few parkruns or 5kms, but were looking for the next challenge,” organiser Vicky Mckinnon from Knutsford said.

Reece Ashfield and Samantha Donnellan were the Super Sprint winners, while Dan Harbridge and Victoria Gilbody were victorious in the Sprint race.

The Canute Duathlon also attracted two times Paralympic silver medallist Rik Waddon who won the relay, with partner Jonathan Miller.

Vicky added: “Even though we had some super-fast athletes, we also welcomed a lot of newcomers to multisport events, and were delighted to see so many first-timers crossing the line with such big smiles on their faces.”

Vicky and fellow race organiser and coach Helen Murray helped to prepare athletes for race day with monthly training sessions through the winter.

Helen, from Chelford said: “It was so inspiring to see the training pay off for our athletes who went out, had fun and performed so well on race day.”

The organising duo said they have had very positive feedback from the event which was supported by local businesses including Isle of Man Hearing Solutions owned by Knutsford resident Guy Wolstencroft, bike shop Bikes ‘n Gear and the team at Smart Financial.

Vicky said: “We simply couldn’t have put the race on without their support.

“And while we had been planning meticulously for well over a year, a lot of the success is down to our fabulous friendly marshals who kindly gave up their time to cheer on competitors and help to make everything run as smoothly as possible.”

The team are now preparing for the Canute Kids Duathlon which will be returning to Egerton Youth Club on July 8 for the second year.

Entries are open online at canuteduathlon.com/junior-canute/