HUNDREDS OF people have signed up to take part in the first ever Stockton Duathlon Festival.

The event, running as part of the North East Duathlon Championship, will take place on Sunday April 21 and caters for people of all ages and abilities.

The standard race involves a 5k run, 40k cycle and ends with a 5k run. The novices event starts with a 2k run followed by a 10k cycle and a 1k run whereas the sprint race is a 5k run, 20k cycle and 2.5k run.

Races will start from Stockton’s Riverside and there will be cash prizes for those placed 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the standard distance race, as well as goody bags for all entrants.

Councillor Ken Dixon, Stockton Council's Cabinet Member for Arts, Leisure and Culture, said: "It is great that the duathlon is already attracting a large number of entrants – almost 400 at the last count.

"The three different distances mean it really is an event for everyone so even if you have never taken part in something like this before, it will be a fantastic way to be part of an organised duathlon."

The closing date for entries is Sunday, 14 April and entrants must be aged 16 by December 31, 2013.

For more details and to book a place log onto www.stockton.gov.uk/duathlon