JOHN Mitchell has won his club's annual triathlon for the third consecutive time at the age of 57.

Blackburn Road Runners held the event at Shadsworth Leisure Centre and the competitors had to swim 18 lengths of the pool before negotiating a four-mile course around Guide and Knuzden, twice by bike and once on foot.

John is a regular age group winner in running events, but is also a strong cyclist as he uses his bike as everyday transport. Consistency was the key to his success, he was a top three finisher in each discipline, while runner up Neil Farmer is a cycling specialist.

The bike ride nearly cost Sandra Snape victory in the ladies race. Sandra lost the chain and had to be helped by a passer by. She made amends by running the fastest stage by a lady, and the fourth fastest of all the 17 entrants. Second was Lisa Richardson, the defending champion.

Brian Shaw has recently announced his retirement from running because of an arthritic knee, but in the triathlon, Brian completed the swim with Fran Finnerty taking over for the bike and the run, and the pair won the team prize.

Results - Men: 1 John Mitchell 1:07:16; 2 Neil Farmer (guest) 1:07:44; 3 Bernie Johnson 1:12:59.

Ladies: 1 Sandra Snape 1:19:06; 2 Lisa Richardson 1:20:58; 3 Brenda Fullard 1:23:41.

Teams: 1 Brian Shaw and Fran Finnerty 1:15:59; 2 Fiona and Derek Coleran 1:17:41; 3 Julie and Shaun Walmsley 1:10:31.

Swim men: 1 Allan Finn 9:55; ladies 1 Lisa Richardson 11:23.

Bike men: 1 Neil Farmer 21:57; ladies: 1 Sandra Snape 36:01.

Run men: 1 Fran Finnerty 28:04; ladies: 1 Sandra Snape 31:29.

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