Boyd shows his steel at gruelling Ultimate Triathlon event

As part of the UK Triathlon series, the gruelling Iron Distance race consists of a 2.4-mile open water swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a full marathon distance 26.2-mile run.

Boyd finished 33rd in the male category in a total time of 12:49:56.

Meanwhile, seven Harriers tackled the St Albans parkrun 5K race, setting two new PBs. Steve Newing was first back for the Harriers in 19:25, followed by Russ Bailey in 21:56.

Next home was Karis Thomas in 25:52, setting a new PB, followed by Ross Geary in 26:30, narrowly pipping his dad Simon in 26:31. Behind the Gearys were Jenny Barnett in 29:10, with Helen Heathcote bring the Harriers home in a new PB of 29:13.

Elsewhere, John Lawler and Vince Ellerby were again flying the GVH colours at the Black Park parkrun, where Lawler knocked 28 seconds off his previous week’s time to come home in sixth place from a field of 405 runners, in 18:36 minutes.

Ellerby was just behind in 13th place in a time of 19:43.

Meanwhile, most distance runners know about the spring marathon season in April and May, but there is also an autumn season in October.

This means that all the long, hard training runs required need to be done in the heat of the summer.

This was not an issue for four brave Harriers who went out for a 20-mile training run around the Ashridge Estate on Bank Holiday Monday, amid the torrential rain, mud and high winds.

Leading the way was ladies’ captain Susie Ivin, who was accompanied by Teresa Reason, Anita Berwick and Dave Wise.

Also in action was Gade Valley Harrier Gemma Bitaraf, who competed in the Chiltern International Aquathlon event.

Organised by the Artic One Foundation, Bitaraf took part in the sprint race, which consisted of a 400m pool swim and a 5K run.

She put in an excellent performance to return as first female home, in third place overall.

The event started and finished at Chesham Open Air Pool, and she completed in a total time of 29:29.