Liverpool set to host triathlon

Local athletes have tried out the course for the inaugural event

The inaugural Liverpool Triathlon will take place along the city's waterfront on 21 June.

The race will take place over Olympic distances - 1.5km swim, 40km bike ride and 10km run - and it is hoped 1,000 people of all abilities will enter.

Great Britain triathlete Vicki Wade has told BBC Radio Merseyside she is backing the event to be a success.

"This is going to be a fantastic event because you are going to see triathlete's of all abilities."

Wade, who will compete in the 2009 European Championships in Holland and World Championships in Australia, is looking forward to taking part in the fledgling event in Liverpool.

To be able to run around the three Graces and to race on closed roads is going to be such good fun Great Britain triathlete Vicki Wade

"You're going to see triathletes from children as young as eight, all the way through to both novice and seasoned triathletes.

"It's going to be for everyone, it will be such an opportunity for so many people.

"To be able to run around the three Graces and to race on closed roads is going to be such good fun."

In addition to the Olympic distance races there will be a sprint and super sprint for people who prefer shorter distances.

The event is being organised by Mass Participation Events, which oversaw the London Triathlon, in partnership with Liverpool City Council.

Organisers are keen to stress they are hoping to attract as many able bodied and disabled competitors as possible.