FIVE Buckden triathletes completed the London Triathlon in Hyde Park, just hours before the world’s elite got their turn.

FIVE Buckden triathletes completed the London Triathlon in Hyde Park, just hours before the world’s elite got their turn.

Ian Morgan, Phil Laycock, Graham Pearce, Mark Tucker and Richard Salmon competed in the 45-49 year age group race around the same course that will be used in the London 2012 Olympics.

They each finished in the top half of their age category around the Olympic distance of a one-mile swim, a 25-mile bike past Buckingham Palace and Wellington Arch, and a six-mile run around the perimeter of The Serpentine.

Salmon led the quintet home in a time of 2hrs 40mins 2secs, followed by Pearce (2:43.50), Tucker (2:44.53), Laycock (2:44.54) and Morgan (2:45.33).

A triathlon training group is held on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings at Buckden Marina, and all are welcome to join.

A series of short runs and run/bike/run duathlons will be held this autumn. For details, call 07875 302120.

n Pictured, from left, are Graham Pearce, Ian Morgan, Phil Laycock, Mark Tucker and Richard Salmon at the finish line.