LAST weekend saw the return of the Tri Port Stephens Festival at One Mile Beach.

The event took in a range of triathlon options, with athletes enjoying good weather conditions.

A standard triathlon is a swim, bike and run event, however the Port Stephens Triathlon also offered competitors an Aquabike option with only the swim and cycle components.

Shortened triathlon sprint series events were also offered.

The winner of the standard triathlon was Lyall Smyth from Newcastle with a time of 2:04:06.

Lyall completed the swim in 25.05 minutes and transitioned to the cycle in 1.15 minutes which he completed in 58.21 minutes after which he quickly transitioned to the run in under a minute which he completed in 38.27 minutes.

Sarah Brady took out first place in the women’s division with times of swim in 31.14 minutes and transitioned to the cycle in 1.47 minutes which he completed in 1 hour 9.33 minutes transitioning to the run in just over 1.5 minutes which she completed in 42.06 minutes.

In the team relays the Lyon Lobsters took out the men’s first place and Swedish Summer the women’s.

In the mixed division it was the Fast Froggies that took the win.

Dudley Hoskins took the win in the men’s Aquabike race with Jean Edge taking the gong in the women’s event.

There was an atmosphere of fun surrounding the event with support provided by Rotary and a sausage sizzle for the hungry attendees.

The event is heavily supported by volunteers who man refreshment and marshalling stations.

By Marian SAMPSON