ATHLETES of all abilities can limber up for the Hartlepool’s Big Lime Triathlon.

The event comprises a 750m open water swim, a 20km cycle ride and a 5km run on Sunday, September 22.

The swim will take place in the marina, the cycle course will incorporate Seaton Carew sea front and the run will be around Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience at Jackson’s Landing.

It is being organised by Hartlepool Borough Council’s Sport and Recreation Service with backing from Limestone Landscapes, a Heritage Lottery Fund-supported project that aims to promote and preserve the unique character of the Durham magnesian limestone plateau of which Hartlepool is a part.

Gemma Ptak, Hartlepool Council’s Senior Sport and Physical Activity Co-ordinator and current Sport and Physical Activity lead officer, said: “We are delighted to be staging the Big Lime Triathlon and we would love to see it become a regular event on the national triathlon calendar.

“It is important to stress that the event is open to people of all abilities, including first-time triathletes, and we don’t want people to be put off because they think they are too inexperienced.”

The council intends to stage some “Try a Tri” sessions over the summer to support athletes’ training in the build-up to the event.

Athletes can register to take part in the triathlon on-line at www.trihard.co.uk and entry costs £27 for members of British Triathlon or £30 for non-members.