Emma Pallant successfully defended her women's title ©ITU

Britain’s Emma Pallant marked her birthday in style by successfully defending her women’s title at the International Triathlon Union (ITU) Duathlon World Championships in Avilés.

The 27-year-old led a five-woman group at the end of the first run section of the course, with South Africa’s Andrea Steyn, Germany’s Lisa Sieburger, Austria’s Sandrina Illes and home favourite Margarita Garcia Cañellas.

After the 40 kilometres cycle around the medieval town in northern Spain, the quintet remained together to leave the race resting on the final 5km run.

Pallant, a 1500 metres bronze medallist on the track at the 2008 World Junior Championships, used her speed to good effect in the closing stages of the event to break clear of her rivals.

The Briton fended off her nearest challenger Steyn to claim the gold in a time of 1 hour 56min 45sec, with the South African star taking silver in 1:56:52.

Garcia Cañellas gave the home crowd cause for celebration, as the Spaniard crossed the line in 1:57:17 to win the bronze medal.

Richard Murray earned the men's title in Avilés
Richard Murray earned the men's title in Avilés ©Twitter/World Triathlon

The men’s competition saw South Africa’s Richard Murray power away on the final run section to claim the world title.

Murray, winner of the ITU Triathlon World Cup gold medal in New Plymouth earlier this year, had been aiming to make his mark having returned to competition after a shoulder injury.

He completed the course in a time of 1:42:18, with defending champion Emilio Martín of Spain crossing the line in 1:42:35 to take the silver medal.

The Netherlands’ Jorik Van Egdom secured the bronze medal by finishing in 1:42:41, while the United States’ Seth Totten missing out on a podium spot after ending 14 seconds behind the Dutchman.