200 brave Dearne Valley Triathlon course. PICTURES

MORE than 200 competitors lined up side by side ahead of the first ever Dearne Valley Triathlon which took place on Sunday.

From seasoned athletes to determined novices, they came out in force to prove their sporting prowess.

Despite sweltering heat, the athletes slugged their their way over the finish line, watched by about 100 enthusiastic spectators.

The event, which started at 9am included the British Universities and Colleges championships.

Organisers confirmed late last week that the event would go ahead after a teenager drowned at the lake last Wednesday.

Wentworth and Dearne MP John Healey, opened the event, and  a minute's silence was held in memory of Phillip Law (15), whose body was tragically pulled from Manvers Lake last week.