ALMOST 100 competitors took  to the start line at a popular triathlon, which returned after a four-year absence.

The North Berwick Novice Triathlon saw competitors take on a 250m indoor pool swim, a 9.3km bike ride before completing a 3km run.

The triathlon, which was last held in 2019, was open to anyone over nine years old for the swimming section while a new off-road run route meant that, for the first time, anyone over the age of 13 could take part in the run.

The whole event, which attracted entries aged between nine and 76, was won by Kerry Rait, who crossed the finish line in 39.41 minutes.

Jeremy Milne, event organiser, was delighted with the turnout.

He said: “It was a smashing event which was about getting people and families to try a triathlon.

“The marshals made it a super friendly event and we had amazing participant feedback.

“I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who came along to take part.

“Also, a big thank you to North Berwick Trust for the use of the park and thanks to North Berwick High School for the use of their grounds.”

He said there had been huge local backing for the event, with North Berwick Rotary Club supporting the cycling marshals, and North Berwick’s Steampunk and cake donating 50 coffee vouchers for the volunteers.

More than 45 marshals were involved, guiding and encouraging competitors.

A bake sale raised £400 for North Berwick Youth Project, and a £400 donation was made to Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS).

Lauren Cowie, youth project manager of the North Berwick Youth Project, said it was a wonderful community-spirited event, and thanked organisers for the donation.

She added: “We are incredibly grateful to North Berwick Novice Triathlon event organisers, spectators, and racers who helped support and raise the profile of the Project by raising funds through the sale of refreshments.

“As a charity, it is a huge boost to have the support of the community and a great gesture to show the young people that the wider community care about creating opportunities for them.

“The funds raised are a great help and will be put to great use.

“Having unrestricted pots of money, such as the donation received allows the project to react to needs quickly, ensuring that the best possible supports are always in place for young people to access.”