The first-ever Mayor’s Sprint Triathlon sprang into life on Sunday as around 70 competitors tackled a 5k cycle, a 200m swim and a 3k run and raised £4,000 for charity.

Adults and children, fitness addicts and every-now-and-then exercisers, joined forces to take part in the inaugural event held at Westminster Lodge for Rennie Grove Hospice Care.

A wonderful team of Everyone Active and Rennie Grove staff kept morale high and competitors going when they were flagging (this reporter included).

Peter Clamp, deputy head boy at Sandringham school, walked away with the fastest competitor award and said: “It was tough but brilliant fun. I cannot wait for next year”.

The fastest woman on the day, Jana Sachlova, also praised the new event: “It was excellent, very friendly, a challenge but accessible to everyone.”

Another first-time competitor Neil Mason said: “Eight months ago I had a kidney transplant and never imagined I could be competing here today. It was tough, but it was my first triathlon.”

St Albans Mayor Cllr Annie Brewster said she was overwhelmed by the spirit of the competitors as the majority had never having attempted anything like the event before but all finished in style.

She went on: “It seemed either the run or the swim was the most challenging for most with one entrant confessing he had not swam since his school days.

Congratulations to everyone on a great achievement and to the staff at Westminster Lodge and Rennie Grove Hospice Care who organised such a fun day”.

The event concluded with the Mayor presenting certificates and medals to all the athletes who completed the three challenges.

Everyone Active General Manager Lesley Garne said: “It was a brilliant day and great fun for the whole family. The running, swimming and cycling enthusiasts of St Albans were certainly out in full force as there were some brilliant performances on the day. What’s more, we raised a fantastic amount of money for Grove House so I would like to thank everyone who took part and joined in activities on the day.”

Dan Fletcher, interim director of fundraising at Rennie Grove, also competed in the event and said: “The Mayor’s idea to run a triathlon in St Albans that isn’t just for the super-fit is brilliant.

“This was my first ever sprint triathlon and I’ve really enjoyed it, and I’d like to thank everyone involved who helped to make the day a huge success. Rennie Grove relies on the support of the local community, and this event has raised all important funds to help us continue to care for local people when they really need it.”