The Builth Wells Aquathlon proved another resounding success on Sunday, August 10, with more than 90 competitors taking part - and raising an impressive £4,000 for The Bracken Trust in the process.

The event, which combined a pool swim with a riverside run, catered for all ages and abilities. Athletes could choose between two race options: a 400m swim (16 lengths) followed by a 5km run, or a shorter course of 200m (eight lengths) with a 3km run. The swim was held in the Builth Wells pool, before runners headed out onto the paths around The Groe, cheered on by families, friends, and fellow athletes.

The youngest competitor was 12-year-old Charlie Coleman from Hereford, who not only took part but also won his age category and finished first overall in the 200m swim/3k run event.

At the other end of the age spectrum were newly engaged couple Brian Matthews, 81, from Wrexham, and his fiancée Mo Taylor from Llandrindod Wells.

"We've never attempted anything like this before, so didn't know what to expect, but we thoroughly enjoyed it, and hope to take part again next year," said Mo.

Helen Tuite, Co-organiser of the Aquathlon, said: "We are delighted with the result. We not only had a good response from the local areas, but news has spread further afield, as we had people taking part from Caerphilly, Malvern, Wrexham, Chepstow and West Yorkshire. We are hoping this is now turning into an annual event, as we’d really like to put Builth Wells on the ‘Aquathlon map’. So we’ve already started planning for next year, but it’s a lot of work, so if anyone wants to join our small organising group, they can contact me at [email protected].

“We are also considering having a 'come and try' session at Freedom Leisure in Builth. It’ll be especially tailored for those people who haven't taken part in an aquathlon before, so they can have a go with no timing clock or crowds."

For more information, join the Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/builthwellsaquathlon

Adam Johnstone, the other Co-organiser of the event, said: "We would like to thank all of our corporate sponsors, especially our headline sponsor, PAR Homes, and all of our volunteers who gave their time for free.

"Without support from these organisations and individuals, we couldn't have put the event on.”