MORE than 400 competitors battled through the blazing heat to raise some £15,000 for a cancer charity.

Pedal Paddle Pace attracted 428 athletes for the triathlon that started and finished in Winchester.

The mayor, Ernie Jeffs, had started the cycle race from the Guildhall before the competitors headed for Palmers Field by the Itchen Navigation for the canoeing and running.

Organiser Blair Dixon said the event started in 2004 and was growing in popularity.

He said: “It was hugely successful. It was hot but there were no problems. We had water stocks along the route. There was a great buzz around the event.”

The fastest man was Ed Gurney, a project manager from Winchester, who finished in one hour seven minutes and 29 seconds; fastest woman was Sarah Davies in one hour 17 minutes and 56 minutes. The fastest team was the Bacon Rolls from Alresford in one hour ten minutes and 30 seconds.

Proceeds will go to Macmillan Cancer Support.