AN ex-Horwich Harriers star is celebrating after scooping glory at the senior European Duathlon Championships in Weyer, Austria.

Katie Hewison, nee Ingram, has put her injury problems this season behind her by topping the podium in her last major event of the season.

The 29-year-old was delighted to have returned to the pinnacle of the sport especially after the joy she sampled as a Harrier.

She said: “I have had a terrible season on the triathlon circuit and it is a few years since I was picked on the RTU World Series.

“I was part of the initial squad for the Commonwealth Games but did not make it.

“I have realised that my swim was not good enough and I was coming out behind people and leaving myself with a lot to do. So I have decided to do duathlon instead. At the competition I felt quite comfortable after 10k off the bike.

“It was a mountainous bike course and I love the hills because of my history of climbing with Horwich Harriers. I felt really good at that stage with a lot more energy to push the top three girls.

“There was a French competitor with me and we opened up a gap on the rest of the runners.

“I just sat in with her then on a bend I took an opportunity and outpaced her.

“I felt strong and managed to cross the line a minute ahead of my opponent.

“It was great and the perfect way to round off the season.

“I want to train hard during the off-season and then go back next year and try to win the title again.”

Hewison admits she has fond memories during her time with Horwich Harriers.

She said: “It is where it all started under my former coach Norman Matthew from Horwich and he helped me win the World Championships and I even represented England in Commonwealth competition in 2009 then I decided to make the switch to triathlon.”