Athletes of all experience levels put their bodies to the test by competing in the annual Beastie Triathlons on the shores of Loch Lomond.

Three gruelling races, hosted by the Lomond Swimming and Triathlon Club, took place throughout Saturday, July 28, with competitors taking to land and water to try and finish first.

The Wee Beastie, a novice off-road triathlon, comprising of a 400 metre open water swim, 9km off-road cycle, and a 3km trail run, preceded the Beastie, a sprint off-road triathlon made up of a more challenging 750m open water swim, 17km off-road cycle and 5km trail run.

However, both were merely warm-ups for the main event, the Bikeless Beastie, a 750m open water swim and 5km trail run, which also acted as Triathlon Scotland’s Scottish National Aquathlon Championship.

The swim followed a shallow route along the Loch Lomond shoreline, marked by buoys.

The run took in paths and off-road trails around the scenic grounds of Balloch Castle Country Park and Moss O’Balloch.

The race was open to everyone – experienced, elites or complete rookies – while well-equipped safety boats and kayaks patrolled the swim, signage and marshals kept a close eye out along the run route, first aid was available on site and and each runner’s time was recorded with a chip.

Pictures: Daren Borzynski and Yannik Borzynski

For more, visit www.beastietriathlons.com.