Both Lomond’s male and female teams won their category, with Lewis and Morgan Serpell taking the male crown with an average time of 45.09, and Isabella Bertiollo and Rebecca Edgar narrowly pipping Lucy Hart and Isla Whitehouse from George Heriot’s School to the top spot.

The event – staged on the banks of Loch Lomond – is hosted by Lomond and every school in Scotland is invited to send paired male, female, and mixed teams.

The triathlon, now in its 20th year, comprises of a 1.7 mile canoe section in a Canadian canoe setting off from Firkin Point, then a 1.7 mile cycle down the old A82, before dismounting and completing a 3.5 mile run along the bonnie banks.

The Saturday, August 30 event presented tough conditions for the racers with gusting winds on the loch making canoeing difficult.

For many it was here the race was won and lost, as experienced canoeists had the upper hand.

The race was staggered with 30 pairs of male athletes setting off first, and local boys Lewis and Morgan Serpell established an early lead that was only seriously challenged by Giacomo Galano from St Thomas Aquinas. Unfortunately his partner was unable to complete the run section and the hosts were able to sweep the board in the male race with Lewis and Morgan setting an average time of 45.09. Lomond teams also finished second and third.

Lomond School also won the female category of the race with Isabella Bertioli and Scottish Netball Internationalist, Rebecca Edgar beating the team from George Heriot’s School.

But Madras College from St Andrews broke the Lomond School stranglehold in the mixed race with Eilidh Smyth and Guillermo Zamora coming home in 47.15. Lomond picked up second place and Loretto School, from Musselburgh, were third.

All teams used skill, determination, and team work throughout the race and it was an exciting race for competitors, organisers, and spectators alike, according to Lomond School’s principal Ms Urquhart.

Overall individual winners were Lewis Serpell in the male category closely followed by his brother Morgan with Guillermo Zamora not far behind. The top female was Eilidh Smyth from Madras College with Katherine McPhie of Lomond coming second and Emma Wilmot from Loretto third.

The team trophy for schools entering more than three teams was won by Lomond with Queen Anne HS from Dunfermline coming second and Lathallan School from Montrose finishing third.

Ms Urquhart added: “It was lovely to see so many parents and supporters lining the banks of Loch Lomond to cheer on the athletes.

“All of the participants really gave it their best shot and it was fantastic to see the teamwork and comradery between them. Organising such an event has taken a great deal of commitment from Lomond staff and the wider community.

“I would like to extend my thanks to all involved for making it such a successful day.”