A WOMAN from Birchwood has completed a long-distance triathlon, and placed within the top 10 in the world.

Claire Grimmer, originally from Huddersfield, has lived in Birchwood for the last decade, and has recently competed in a long-distance triathlon.

She qualified for the Great Britain Age Group team for the World Long Distance Triathlon Championships that this year were held in Ibiza as part of a multisports festival which included different distances of triathlon and duathlon and aquathlon.

Warrington Guardian: Claire finished in the top 10 in the world for her age groupClaire finished in the top 10 in the world for her age group (Image: Claire Grimmer)

Claire's competition was held on Sunday, May 7, and consisted of a 3km swim, followed by a 120km bike ride, and a 30km run - which, in old money, equates to around 96 miles.

Speaking to the Warrington Guardian, Claire said: "After a bit of a rush to the start, I was really pleased with a steady swim in choppier waters than I'm used to, to exit the water second in my age group."

However, Claire started to struggle slightly when it came to the cycling element of the race, saying: "Unfortunately I'd forgotten to pack my bike legs.

"After a caffeine gel and then chatting to a fellow GB age grouper on one of the last climbs I perked up a bit and came back in reasonably strongly."

There was a near-miss, though: "Although there was a squeaky bum moment on a wet roundabout - yes, it even rains in Ibiza - when a GB girl came off her bike in front of me and I narrowly missed her, a car and avoided coming off myself so I was glad to get off the bike."

Moving onto the 30km run - which is less than 11km shy of a full marathon - Claire had some reservations, given recent problems with her hip and knees.

Warrington Guardian: Claire's race included a gruelling 120km cycling routeClaire's race included a gruelling 120km cycling route (Image: Claire Grimmer)

She added: "My plan to walk the aid stations and hills seemed to work and despite heavy legs and a very tough climb up to the castle with steps and cobbles on the descent then a bit of gravel thrown in to go up & over another hill, my run went pretty much to my plan.

"I overtook quite a few tiring runners in the last few miles, including a Brazilian girl in my age group in the last 400m or so.

"It's amazing how you can dig that bit deeper if you really need to."

Claire eventually finished ninth in the world for her age group, which is a huge achievement.

Understated to say the least, the Birchwood athlete added: "I'm pretty pleased with that."