Local teachers and triathletes Maria Dye and Laura Johnstone swapped the classroom for Ben Nevis to take part in what is renowned to be the 'toughest half iron distance triathlon in the country'.

Aptly named the Ben Nevis Braveheart Tri the event consists of an chilly 1.2mile swim with jelly fish in Loch Linnihe, 56 undulating miles on the bike and a 13 mile run featuring an ascent of the UK's highest peak Ben Nevis.

Starting at 6am meant that the girls were in for a chilly 10 degree swim but this didn't cause either of them problems with both coming out in the top third of the competitors.

A quick transition out of wetsuits and onto the bikes where the girls reaped the benefits of recent warm weather training in France.

Again, both girls finished the bike leg quicker than anticipated and found the Fort William hills weren't as severe as the local Glen Fruin hairpins.

A swift transition saw both the Helensburgh athletes out on to the run feeling strong.

The run consisted of three miles on roads before the ascent of Nevis. Coming from a running background and being Helensburgh Amateur Athletics Club members the girls weren't as daunted by the run as others and set off at a good pace. Unseasonably hot weather made for spectacular views but also tough running conditions. Both girls showed strength on the ascent and good technical descending.

The day was rounded off with big smiles from both competitors when they finished 5th and 7th females with Laura being 1st senior female and Maria first v50 female.