More than 1,200 athletes took part in the Challenge Henley triathlon and Henley half triathlon on Sunday.

Professional triathletes Stephen Bayliss and Gina Crawford set new course records after crossing the finish line in eight hours, 29 minutes and 31 seconds and nine hours, eight minutes and five seconds respectively.

Last year’s ladies winner, Yvette Grice, finished third behind Bella Bayliss. Olympic skier Graham Bell, who lives in New Street, Henley, was among the 17 local entrants.

He finished in 11 hours, 21 minutes and 38 seconds, more than half an hour faster than his 12 hour target.

Mr Bell said: “I’m very pleased with my time because it was very, very tough. The third lap of the run was the hardest because you are only half way through the run and you have to get all the way out to the lock, get back and then do it all again.”

Twenty-one Henley residents competed in the shorter event.

Published 17/09/12