THE winners of the first ever Challenge Weymouth event were recognised at an awards ceremony as organisers and athletes thanked the town for their support.

Bustinskin’s Chris Walker won his age category and was the only non-professional athlete to make it into the top ten fastest finishers.

Chris joined elite athletes Joe Skipper, Joel Jameson and Stephen Bayliss who came first, second and third, on stage in the Ocean Room at Weymouth Pavilion as awards were handed out on Monday.

Race director Alan Rose paid tribute to the hard work of his team and staff at Dorset County Council and Weymouth and Portland Borough Councils, as well as the volunteers and spectators.

Food stations around the town centre running route were manned by Dorset-based clubs Wessex Wizards, Bustinskin and the Sandsfoot Cafe Racers.

Alan said: “Some of the volunteers manned those feed stations for more than 15 hours. I have to say thank you to the people of Weymouth. Their support is what lifted the athletes tremendously.”

Awards were handed out on stage by chairman of DCC John Wilson. He said he was ‘absolutely delighted’ to see a full distance triathlon being held in Dorset. He added: “There were two cyclists who got hurt, which is sadly the inevitable outcome of an event of this size. I wish them a speedy recovery to full health.

As well as Chris Walker, who also came first in his age category, men’s 25 to 29, Dorset was well represented amongst the winners.

Purbeck Triathlon Club came third in the relay event, Marcus Ryall, of the Wessex Wizards came first in the men’s 50 to 54 age category and Kate Mason of the Sandsfoot Cafe Racers, came second in the women’s 55 to 59.