WEATHER conditions were perfect as hundreds of athletes took on a swimming, cycling and running challenge.

The second Brighton and Hove Triathlon attracted 1,200 entries from people of all ages.

The youngest entrant was a three-year-old who took on the children’s mini scoot, bike and run competition and the oldest was 77.

People could choose to take on the Olympic triathlon which involved a 1,500m sea swim, 40km bike ride and a 10km run.

There was also a sprint challenge which was a 750m swim, 20km bike ride and 5km run.

The super sprint, aimed at beginners, was a 400m swim, 5km bike ride and two-and-half kilometre run.

There were also children’s events which covered shorter distances.

Among those taking part was Rachel Gilmore, 32, from Brighton, who was part of the Tri-Harders.

The team was formed after a group of mothers who went sea swimming together decided they wanted to take on the challenge.

Mrs Gilmore said: “Some of the team did the triathlon last year but for others like me it was the first time.

“It was just good fun. We are all parents of young children and having to train for this gave us a real incentive.

“I enjoyed all the camaraderie above all. It was great to do something like this with a bunch of friends.

“I ended up coming third in my age group which I was pleased with but the sea swim was the toughest part for me.

“I went out too fast and too hard so it took a lot out of me.”

Mrs Gilmore now has the triathlon bug and plans to do it again and hopefully improve her times.

It was also the first triathlon for Emma Kingsnorth, from Bedford Square, Brighton.

The 33-year-old said she was generally sporty but had not done anything quite like it before.

She said: “I’ve been working on the cycling and running but the swimming was the hardest part of it.

“When I started the distance just looked so far. I was glad the weather was so fine and the sea was calm.

“I got involved because my mum wanted to do a triathlon and we originally both entered for an event at Hever Castle in Kent next weekend.

“Then I heard about this one taking place right in front of me and so I signed up for it.

“I really enjoyed it and now I’m getting ready for next weekend.”

As well as the triathlon itself there was also a sports and fitness show in which people could try out a wide range of activities and classes.

Event director Lisa Clayton said: “It has been absolutely amazing and the weather has been beautiful which helped with the sea swim.

“It is very , very busy here and everyone has been enjoying themselves.

“There is a lovely atmosphere and the promenade is packed with people coming to watch the contestants and try out the sports and fitness show. The event is bigger than last year and people know more about it.”

The first competitors set off at 8am yesterday with the first one returning in about 20 minutes.

People then came in steadily throughout the day with the final runner finishing at about 3.30pm.

Event organisers are now making plans for 2018.

Some entrants were taking on the challenge for one of the event’s three charity partners.

These were the Martlets hospice in Hove and Stonewall, which supports lesbian, gay, bi and trans people.

The third partner was Bloodwise, which funds world-research and offers information and support to anyone affected by leukaemia, lymphoma and other blood cancer related disorders.