"The emphasis of this race is on fun," said race organiser Sally Napthen of the City of Chester Triathlon Club.

"Many people see triathlon as a sport for those who are super fit but at Chester Tri we are encouraging more and more ladies to start training and take part in achievable, short distance races.

"For a high proportion of the competitors, this women only triathlon of 750m swim, 16k bike and 5k run was their first attempt at such an event.

"Manley Mere was the original venue for Chester Tri's Deva Triathlon before it moved to its city centre location. The Deva Divas race evolved within the event and due to its overwhelming success, finally demanded its own slot in the calendar in 2006.

"Reverting to Manley Mere was an inspired decision judging by the feedback we have received."

The success of the event can also be attributed to the support given by Chester Tri in the months leading up to the event.

Special training days have been organised where novices were introduced to disciplines that were in many cases totally new to them, such as open water swimming in wetsuits.

"Whatever your aims, how long you take doesn't matter," added Sally. "Our main aim is to ensure that everyone finishes with a smile and the feeling of having done something truly significant.

"Many past participants still compete regularly and have even taken part in longer distance events."

Meanwhile, a number of Chester Tri members took part in the Boundary Breeze Sprint Triathlon at Holmes Chapel.

First home for the club in the 750m swim, 14 mile bike and 3 mile run was Simon Greenwood in a time of 1:10:10, followed by Andy Penny (1:17:13), Mike Lee (1:19:28), Dave Press (1:23:22), Sue Ellis (1:23:46), Calire Sutcliffe (1:25:12) and Janet Morgan (1:41:19).

Prizes were won by Morgan, Ellis, Denise Penny and Press in their respective age categories.

Further afield in Ironman Switzerland (3.8k/180k/42.2k), Gill Mead crossed the line in 12:19:06, followed by Keith Robbins (12:33:22), Jan Rogers (12:52:09) and Malcolm Sloane (13:27:09).

Over the same distance at Roth, Nick Rose came home in 9:42:25 followed by Jill Hulme (11:00:00), Mark Tabor (11:02:44), Steve Eastwood (13:15:44) and Sian Williams (13:41:12).