A PRESTON runner has beaten the world to win the World Biathlon Championships in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
Civil servant Rachel Jones beat off tough competition to grab gold medal. She was up against competitors from South Africa, Australia and Southern Europe, where the biathlon is popular.
The sport, which combines running with swimming, sees competitors running for 1500 metres, swimming in the sea for 200 metres, then another 1500 metres road running.
Rachel, who runs for Salford Harriers, clinched the World Biathlon bronze medal in Monaco.
Coach Alan Seddon said: "Rachel is a determined athlete, very hard-working and thoroughly deserves her success."
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