St. Helens Tri hosted the first of two autumn events last weekend at the Handepay St Helens Triathlon and scooped numerous prizes on home turf.

Sam Wardle defended his title from 2016 after a closely fought race and Charlie Stirrup's breakout season continued with third place and first over 40.

Other highlights included Rachael Fairclough winning the ladies' race, Emma Austin being first junior lady home and Helen Broderick winning the female over 40 category.

Other club members ventured further afield to three timeless classics.

Alison Abbott has inspired all at St Helens Tri over the past year and added to her list of achievements last Sunday by completing the Great North Run in under three and a half hours, while Mark Ashton overcame storm conditions to complete Ironman Wales in a time of 12:09:47 and Robert Chesters finished in the top 15 at the Fleetwood Triathlon.