MORE than 800 competitors gathered to test their mettle in the fifth Stockton Duathlon Festival.

Crowds lined the route to cheer on the competitors in the run-ride-run race around Stockton’s Riverside on Sunday.

With a mix of elite racers and local enthusiasts, the competition provided a morning of entertainment for spectators.

The River Tees provided an inspiring setting for the duathlon which was included in the 2017 British Triathlon Age-Group Major Events calendar.

The event also acted as a qualifier for the European Duathlon Championships – Standard race and World Duathlon Championships – Standard and Sprint races.

Councillor Norma Wilburn, Stockton Borough Council’s cabinet member for arts, leisure and culture, said: “It was another fantastic edition of the Stockton Duathlon Festival and it is wonderful to see it grow from strength to strength.

“It was also another amazing sporting event for Stockton, part of a first class programme of events that gives us an international reputation as an event Borough.”