HUNDREDS of triathletes dug deep to complete a testing course in the Southend sunshine on Sunday.
Harrison Smith was the first male finisher while Alice Hector was the first female.
And Jess Tonking - one of the event organisers - was delighted by the success of the day which attracted thousands of spectators.
Hard work - the swimmers emerge from the sea
“All of us at Sundried are still buzzing from such an exhilarating day and all the hard work definitely paid off,” said Tonking.
“With more than 3, 000 spectators, it was amazing to see the community come together to celebrate our first ever Southend triathlon and the awesome competitors.”
The triathlon started with a 500 metre swim out into the Estuary before a 20km bike ride through Great Wakering and Barling.
Birthday girl - Louise Grace celebrated her 38th birthday by completing the Southend Triathlon
The race, which raised £1,500 for Havens Hospices, finished with a 5km run and Tonking is already looking forward to next year’s event.
“We already have 50 people signed up and we will make it bigger and better,” she added.
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