DORSET Pentathletes got off to a flying start in the first race of the British Biathle series.

The event, at Millfield School, saw 26 athletes from the county take part in the run/swim/run competition and between them they bagged seven gold medals, seven silver and five bronze.

Distances comprised of 500m to 1500m run, 50m to 200m swim followed by the same distance run again, the distances varied for each age group.

The Dorset club combines athletes from Tornadoes of South Dorset SC (TSDSC), West Dorset Warriors SC (WDWSC), Poole AC (PAC) and Weymouth SC (WSC).

The first race started with the girls’ 10 and under and 12 and under which was a 500m run, 50m swim and 500m run.

The county girls got off to a great start with Bethan Whittall (WSC) winning the 12 and under in 4mins 26secs.

Victoria Halford (WDWSC) claimed second with Rebecca Bowles (third) and Tara Chittenden (fifth) were taking part in their first biathle.

Weymouth’s Margi Chitty finished seventh In the 10 and under event, Zoe Gowers (WDWSC) was pipped at the post and forced to settle for second while Hannah Marklew (WSC) was fifth.

The next races were the boys’ 12 and under and 10 and under saw the boys not wanting to be outdone by the girls.

And they did not disappoint as they took the first three places in the 12 and under event.

Hugh Ireland took first place in 4mins 40secs, Oliver Mullins was second and Jonathan Greenwood third.

Other good performances came from Warriors’ Harrison Yarnold (sixth), Bradley Mullins (tenth) and Weymouth’s Jake Whittall (ninth).

In the boys’ 10 and under Callum Mullins (WDWSC) claimed second with Drew Sanson (third).

Beth Letherby returned after a season out to win the girls’ 14 and under race in a time of 5mins 12secs.

Warriors’ Laura Chitty finished third and Dervla Ireland came fourth.

In the boys’ equivalent Christopher Perham (TSDSC) came home first in 4mins 45secs, leading from the start to finish and showing great potential for the forthcoming season.

In the Masters’ events, Andy Whittall took the men’s 40 plus race in a time of nine minutes from Nick Ireland, who took a fall on the poolside in the transition area.

Team coach Mick Flaherty finished third in the men’s 50 plus.

Melissa Courtney (PAC) led all the way in the girls’ 16 and under competition in a time of 9mins 54secs with team-mate Africa Mason a close second.

The last race of the day was the men’s 18 and under.

Tornado Niall Laming took gold in 12mins 26secs followed by fellow club member Tom Crew.

Flaherty said: “The team is looking in good shape for the forthcoming season and has got off to an excellent start in the British Biathle series.

“As long as the athletes keep performing like this the team will have a few British Series winners.

“The next race in the British Biathle Series is at the Osprey Centre, Portland on May 24, and all spectators are welcome.”

For information on training and how to get involved in biathle contact Mick Flaherty at flah64@supanet.com Dorset Pentathletes are also looking for any potential sponsors, so if you are interested in sponsoring an up and coming and successful team then contact Flaherty at the above e-mail.