RECORD numbers of more than 130 swimmers and runners from across Wales and England descended on Gwent for an Aquathlon yesterday.

With the temperature dropping from the mid-week heat, the conditions were perfect for some quick times at the event which includes a 2km swim which takes place before a 12km run. The Monmouth-based event, now in its third year, also raised funds for the Stroke Association.

Around 98 swimmers, including Monmouth MP David Davies, started the event at just before 10am, putting up with a fast and chilly current in the River Wye before being joined by the rest of the field, some of who were only taking part in the run.

Chairman of the Monmouth Tri-Club Phil Tilley, 52, said: “I was one of the kayaking marshals and it ran really well.

“We had a real mix of athletes, the quicker swimmers completed the 2km in around 26 minutes but one guy took an hour and half, but fair play he was very determined and still did a good run.”

With entrants from as far as Fishguard and the midlands, it was 42 year-old Dan Sandford from the Forest of Dean athletic club who claimed the winner’s medal, presented by Monmouth MP David Davies.

Competitor Maxwell Row-Haynes, 36, said afterwards: “There have been some real competitors today but the atmosphere is one of the best I have been to, we were all spurring each other on."