SEVERAL Blue Suits were among the 2,040 field that undertook the Ironman UK in Bolton in warm conditions.

Paul Trainor was the first to cross the finishing line. A steady swim, two sub-10 minute transitions and just over six hours on the bike launched him into the marathon.

Remarkably consistent pacing produced a stupendous sub-four trot as he finished in 196th position in a time of 11:19:36.

Coach Dean Johnson only took up swimming 18 months ago, but showed he’s a quick learner with his time of 1:22 in the water.

Ironically, the run was clearly the hardest part, with the metaphorical wall being hit at around 25km.

Thankfully, the timely location of the feed station and its gel packs, and encouragement from daughter Abby, who jogged alongside him for a mile or so, saw him recover his composure and put the struggles behind him.

His 345th place was collected in three minutes over the half-day mark.

“What a day – it makes you proud to be a Boltonian,” he said. “To the crazy clowns up Sheephouse who provided much support and humour, to the Tour de France-style Babylon Lane lot, the hoards of people on Chorley New Road and the masses of folk in the town centre providing much noise and support, I salute you all.

Also a massive thanks to Ironman – what an event it has been, just keep it in Bolton – always.”

Ady Fisher stuck to her pre-race plan with a good swim and bike leg just over eight hours.

A well-judged jog saw her take the cheers of the crowd in Victoria Square in 1,375th overall and 171st in the women’s race.

Other Bolton United members sported the colours of their tri training groups.

Cherry Collison would have placed significantly higher but for a puncture and wheel damage affecting her bike ride, while Tony Warham looked at ease on his favoured running element.

Results: Paul Trainor – 11:19:36 (swim: 1:13:20, bike: 6:04:00, run: 3:42:54), Dean Johnson – 12:03:12 (swim: 1:22:10, bike: 6:15:17, run: 4:08:01), Adrienne Fisher – 15:04:13 (swim: 1:25:57, bike: 8:03:12, run: 5:10:57), Cherry Collison – 13:01:30 (swim: 1:14:38, bike: 6:52:41, run: 4:36:15), Tony Warham – 12:23:07 (swim: 1:30:56, bike: 6:48:30, run: 3:44:21).