A RUNNING and cycling event held annually in Stockton has been named as a major national event on British Triathlon's 2016 calendar.

Stockton Duathlon will this year become the National Duathlon Championships and will take place in Stockton on Sunday, April 24, 2016.

Almost 1,000 people took part in this year's event, with a run-ride-run format being offered across novice, sprint and standard distance races.

The same three races will be on offer again in 2016, in the fourth years of the duathlon.

From new beginners to experienced competitors, there is a race available for every ability.

Councillor Norma Wilburn, Stockton Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Arts, Leisure and Culture, said: “The Duathlon has always been a key event within our wide-ranging sport and events programme so to see its popularity and success rewarded on a national scale is very pleasing.

“Close to a thousand people took part in last year’s event so I look forward to even more residents of Stockton Borough lacing up their running shoes and getting in their cycle saddle for what is set to be the best duathlon yet when the Triathlon England National Duathlon Championships arrive in Stockton in April 2016.”

Full details of how to enter the 2016 Stockton Duathlon will be released later this year.

The announcement follows the news from earlier this year that Stockton will also be hosting the 2016 British Cycling National Road Championships next June.