THOUSANDS of competitors and spectators gathered at Woodstock’s Blenheim Palace for one of the biggest events in the triathlon calendar.

The Blenheim Triathlon – in which racers have to complete a lake swim followed by a bike ride and run – is now in its sixth year and attracts people from across the UK, including many who are new to the sport.

On Saturday, the amateur athletes found themselves lining up against a former Olympic silver medallist in the form of 400-metre runner Iwan Thomas.

In all, more than 5,000 people took part in the event, staged over two days.

They were joined by 15,000 spectators – making it the second largest triathlon in the UK.

Thames Valley Police chief inspector Christian Bunt, 34, was competing for the first time after laying down the gauntlet to friend Murray Davies at a wedding reception – but it was Mr Davies who narrowly secured the bragging rights.

Mr Bunt, from Wootton, near Abingdon, was returning to Blenheim after getting married at the palace, and admitted to feeling equally nervous before both occasions.

After the race he said: “It was fantastic, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

“I’ll definitely do it again and I’ll get the better of Murray next time. I have no choice now.”

Mr Davies, 34, who grew up in Cowley, added: “I beat the chief inspector so I was very pleased with that.

“It was a brilliant atmosphere but the weather didn’t help me too much on the run, it was so hot.”

Mike Wigg and Dave Oakey, who work at Oxford University, were competing in their first triathlon. Mr Wigg, 59, of Aston Tirrold, said: “We’re raising money for Save the Children and we’re on course for £10,000.

“Predictably the swim was a nightmare, but I survived. I thoroughly enjoyed the bike and the run.

“It was a fabulous day and I had lots of people cheering me on – you just get dragged along by the support.”

For Cheney School English teacher Jamie Kirkaldy there was professional pride on the line.

The 30-year-old from Oxford said: “There were a few boys from the PE department racing and it was very competitive. Unfortunately I didn’t beat them but it was a fantastic day.

“My mum, wife and little daughter came along to watch and we had a picnic afterwards.”

Kathryn Rossiter, 43, who lived in Wootton before moving to Winnersh, was competing in her third Blenheim Triathlon and said the venue was perfect.

She added: “It is great for spectators and friends and you can’t get a more beautiful setting than Blenheim Palace.”