RICHARD HOWARTH has won the Allerthorpe Classic Triathlon, beating around 250 competitors, writes Jack Amor.

The Wetherby athlete, pictured, took first place with a time of one hour 54.40 minutes.

Howarth, of Rock Racing Team UK, won by less than a minute from Holmfirth’s Jonny McClean. Craig Stevenson, of Harrogate, came third.

York’s Abey Lawrence came second in the women’s race with a time of two hours 12.50 minutes, behind Barnsley’s Emma Wolff.

The annual event involves a 1,500-metre swim, a 40-kilometre ride in the lanes, concluded by a 10k run to the finish.

The youngest competitor was seven-year-old Maisie Spruyt, of Pocklington, who completed the junior aquathlon race organised by York-based Freebird Events.

Spruyt completed a 50m swim and a 600m run to win her first ever race.

Peter Mathieson of Freebrid Events said: “It is great to see so many people having such a great time.

“We will be back again on September 14 for our triathlon season finale, the Sundowner Triathlon.”