Fourth place at Ironman70.3 Pays d’Aix for Norfolk athlete Kimberley Morrison

Kimberley Morrison crossed the finishing line at Ironman70.3 Pays d'Aix with a beaming smile as her professional career continued to progress steadily.

The north Norfolk athlete, from Bale, near Fakenham, finished fourth at the event in the south of France, completing a 90km cycle and a half marathon run (21.1km) run in four hours, seven minutes and 36 seconds.

The 1.9km swim was cancelled because the air temperature was too cold on Sunday morning, contributing to the 28-year-old completing the run in a PB time of 01:26.37, more than 12 minutes faster than last year.

With the encouragement of family and friends watching on, as well as husband Ben, the Tri-Anglia member was pleased with her efforts.

'I prepare for a swim, bike, run race, so I was a little disappointed but we were there to race and I was not going to let this negatively affect my positive attitude going into the race.

'I had a strong bike battling numerous hills, strong winds and chilly temperatures. Then onto the run, I felt so much pain but knew I was towards the front of the race, I was giving it my best shot to keep here. Dad was not here to see me move backwards!

'With a three-lap run course I had high fives, smiles and so much encouragement it was magical.

'I was not going to let anyone down... I was going to be on that stage accepting an award. This positivity got me to the finish line fourth in a new run PB. Very happy everything is moving in the right direction.'