Axe Valley Runner Luke Reed had an early start last Saturday, writes Dave Mutter.

Reed left Kilmington at 4.30am to travel to Harlyn Bay, Padstow, Cornwall for a 7.20am start in the standard distance Triathlon organised by VOTWO.

The sea was flat for the 1500 swim. Reed came out of the water in seventh position out of the 78 starters.

From the sea there was a long 400m run to the Transition area, where he gained some ground on the opposition.

Then onto the bike which was an out and back course, with the first eight miles into a head wind, so pretty tough!

Reed came into transition in fifth place, having completed the 40km bike in 1.15.30.

Next was a 10km run along the cliff line of Harlyn bay, which had its ups and downs!

However, Reed toughed it out to hold onto fifth place and an overall time 2.31.17.