ATHLETES from around the region gathered for a charity triathlon hosted by a school.

The Darlington Rotary Triathlon, an annual event, saw more than 174 competitors swim, cycle and run on a circuit around Darlington School of Maths and Science (DSMS).

Organised by the Rotary Club of Darlington, and registered with British Triathlon, the event involved a 400m swim, a 21km bike ride and a 5km run. The winning athletes were Philippa Chambers and Gary Walker.

Event co-ordinator Jane Bradshaw thanked the Rotary members and their families who gave up their time to steward the event, as well as a group of air cadets who also stepped in to help.

The triathlon was originally planned to start and end in Darlington town centre but was moved to DSMS at short notice due to the landslip on the A67, near Piercebridge, which meant the planned cycling route was needed for diverted traffic.

Mrs Bradshaw said the organisers were disappointed at missing the chance to stage the event in Darlington town centre for the first time, but thanked Calvin Kipling, DSMS headteacher, for agreeing to run the event at the school.

She said: “It was a great event and the weather was kind. We do hope next year to run the event from the town centre as planned. Competitors came from around the region and what always strikes me is the camaraderie between the athletes. They are a shining example.”

The Rotary Club would like to thank the event sponsors Nordic Pioneer and Sherwoods, as well as Northumbrian Water, which provided water for the competitors, and Ron Clarke Grocers, who provided fruit.

The full list of winners: Women’s race: 1 Philippa Chambers; 2 Jennifer Batey; 3 Jo Zoppi. Men’s race: 1 Gary Walker; 2 Jack Willis; 3 Lloyd Harrison. Veteran female winner, age 40-49: Lindsay Turnbull. Veteran male winner: Elliot Gowland. Super-veteran female winner, age 50-59: Jo Short. Super-veteran male winner: Gavin Sword. Vintage female winner, over 60: Ellen-Ann Finnigan. Vintage male winner: Eric Blakey. Team winner: Mike Odysseas.