ATHLETES from Kendal Triathlon Club competed for Great Britain in Poland, taking part in a gruelling Ironman full distance race.

The race took place in Poznan and included a 3.8km swim, 112 miles of cycling and a 26 mile run.

Kendal's Jane Senior and Kath Finn completed in the 50-54 age category, finishing second and seventh respectively.

Kath Finn, 52, said: "It was amazing. It was really special to go and race across that distance for the country, particularly for somebody quite old who wouldn't normally get that opportunity.

"It was great to cycle down roads that were closed off by police so you felt really safe. The lake we swam was really beautiful and the run was dreadfully hard but we got to run through an amazing cobbled square where everybody was chanting and eating and drinking beer.

"It was the culmination of a year's training and working towards this, so to manage to get through the race reasonably well and come away thinking 'yes, that was great' is fantastic."

Kath's involvement with Kendal Tri Club began after she sustained an injury which meant that swimming was the only sport she could do for a while. bHer husband Paddy, who compete for Great Britain in the 60s category, had been involved for years.

Although at the time she could swim no more than two lengths, she began practising with the club and, when a friend suggested she do an ironman challenge, she took on the challenge.

Kath, who finished this year's ironman in 11 hours and 46 minutes, has already qualified to compete in the European championships in June next year in Denmark for both the full and half length competitions.

"They are quite addictive," said Kath. "But next year I will just do the shorter one because the longer one is such a commitment and I need a rest."

The Kendal Triathlon Club is available to join for anybody who wants to get involved - they do not have to be training for a triathlon of ironman.

Swimming sessions are available on the first Wednesday of every month at Kendal leisure centre, and details about the club can be found on the website.