Pedal power, swimming stamina and resolute running were all in evidence at the second St Albans Sprint Triathlon.

Competitors - including a team from the Herts Advertiser - took part in Sunday’s event at Westminster Lodge in support of a charity focused on providing opportunities in performing arts for the disadvantaged.

Run by Everyone Active, the race supported the chosen charity of recently departed Mayor Cllr Geoff Harrison, the Dream Foundation, and funds raised from the event will go towards a free arts programme aiming to bring dance and drama workshops into local schools and communities.

Last year 100 people ran the event raising a total of £4,000 for Rennie Grove Hospice Care, and this year organisers are hoping to double that total.

The triathlon was won by Simon Channon of Grange Street, St Albans, who finished in 25:56 overall. Last year’s event was his first triathlon but he enjoyed it so much he did a longer one in Oxford before returning to compete in his home city.

The female winner was Debbie Reeve from Wheathampstead (29:01), who started running with a village mum’s group. She said she was shocked and delighted to have won, especially as it was her first triathlon. Living the Dream founder Zoe Jackson was 12th at 31:06.

The winning team was Team GB (Garner Bates) - which included St Albans Chamber of Commerce executive director Lisa Bates - who came in at 26:03. The Herts Ad came in 15th out of 25 with 31:35.

The event proved particularly hair-raising for competitors Simon Bates and David Hughes, who staked their beard and hair respectively on the final result. Simon’s beard is now going after David came in at 28:46 ahead of his own 35:41.

Triathlon founder, former St Albans Mayor Cllr Annie Brewster, said: “We wanted it to be a community triathlon, to let people have a go at something they thought was out of their reach, and it did such a job with aplomb. I loved all the individual stories and then the sense of achievement when people finish. I loved every moment and was so proud of everyone for what they achieved. Well done also to all the Westminster Lodge team.”