Dozens of budding athletes took to the streets of Dorchester for a gruelling challenge in some of the county town’s historic landscapes

More than 130 triathletes turned out for the fifth Dorchester Dash triathlon on Sunday.

The demanding test of endurance saw novices and beginners compete along a picturesque route.

Competitors faced an early start when the event began at Dorchester Sports Centre at 8am. They tackled a 400m swim at the centre’s indoor 25m pool, followed by a 24km cycling course which exited Dorchester via Poundbury, taking them to the summit of Hardy’s monument.

The cycle then brought participants back to the centre where a five-kilometre run guided them to Maiden Castle, an iron age fort dating back to 4000BC.

Kit Walker, a local competitor who runs triathlon training courses around Weymouth Marsh and Osprey Leisure Centre, stormed to the finish to become the overall male winner with a time of one hour, one minute and 31 seconds.

Kit has won all five Dorchester Dash triathlons since the event began. He has been competing in triathlons since 2011.

A husband and wife team also celebrated success as they took on the challenge.

Annie and Ian Birch, from London, won the 60 plus category after travelling all the way to Dorchester for their very first triathlon where they were met with a wave of support.

The female winner, with a time of one hour, 14 minutes and 9 seconds, was Ellie Dominey from Devon-based N1 Tri Club.

A spokesman for Dorchester Sports Centre said: “There was a good mix of first time participants and regular triathletes.

“The event offered near perfect conditions for all with it being overcast and a light breeze.

“This year saw the largest support at the finish line with many members from the local community cheering participants over the finish line.”

The sports centre on the Thomas Hardye School site offered those taking part in the race refreshments as well as use of the pool, changing-rooms, toilets and showers.

Finishers also received a medal and goodie bags.

The Dorchester Dash is part of the 1610 Race Series, consisting of four 10k races, a sprint triathlon and 5k and 2k fun runs across the counties of Somerset and Dorset.