Launch of Rotherham triathlon challenge

The fifth annual event Rother Valley Triathlon Festival kicks off on September 15 at Rother Valley Country Park with a day of racing for all the family, raising funds for Cancer Research UK.

The miniature Children’s Triathlon course will see nine to 14-year-olds swim 150 metres and cycle four kilometres before a one kilometre foot race to the finish line.

Marshals will oversee the young competitors’ safety and make sure that everyone is heading in the right direction.

The Cancer Research UK Women Only Triathlon will follow with a 200-metre swim, ten kilometre ride and four kilometre run in aid of the life-saving charity.

Women entering the fund-raising race will be invited to attend a free training session on September 1, where they will have the opportunity to talk to and practice with qualified coaches at the race venue.

Finishing off the event’s first day is the Speedo Big Swim, in which up to 1,000 people aged 12 years old and up will tackle a one mile swim around Rother Valley Lake, also in aid of the cancer charity.

Sunday, September 16 will see the most intrepid athletes take on the main event \_ the Sprint Distance Triathlon - with racers competing for a place in the British triathlon team at the 2013 Sprint Triathlon Championships.

After a 750-metre swim and a 25-kilometre cycle race, competitors must tackle a five kilometre run to the finish line and a shot at European triathlon glory.

For more information and entry forms for each event visit www.onestepbeyond.org.uk/rother-valley-triathlon-festival.