STORM the Castle returned to Ludlow for a fourth consecutive year with around nearly 400 athletes taking part in another staging of the Duathlon.

The multi-sport event witnessed a healthy crowd of spectators lining the safe closed road circuit and congregating inside Ludlow Castle, to cheer on the top competitors pushing for a strong finish.

Participants completed a 10km run via Whitcliffe Common, the Breadwalk and round the castle walls before embarking on a challenging 33km cycle route that took riders out to Herefordshire and back into Shropshire to finish back at transition.

The undulating course included a 7km climb over Fiddlers Elbow and nearing the end of the ride you climb through Mortimer Forest before a fast, short descent off High Vinnals. The final leg was a 5km loop with variants to the first run, including two ascents up the ‘Lactic Ladder’, a near vertical set of steps, to enter Whitcliffe Common. Competitors finish the race by running into the majestic shadow of Ludlow Castle.

“This year’s Storm The Castle was another great success. Competitors did well in overcoming an even more challenging bike and run course,” said Race Director Matt Green.

Jack Schofield who was runner-up last year came one better this time. Jack Wilson, 34, and Ffion Gilbert, 24, were the fastest local athletes to finish,