MORE than 1,300 youngsters will be testing their mettle when they take part in the Tata Kids of Steel children’s triathlon event.

The event at the Eston Leisure Centre offers opportunity to children aged between eight and 13, regardless of ability or experience to tackle the course.

The children take part in a mini-triathlon, which consists of swimming 40 to 60m, a traffic-free cycle of 800 – 1,200m and finally a run of approximately 400m on Thursday (June 4).

The events are organised by Tata Steel and British Triathlon in close collaboration with local schools and community sports clubs. Employees from Tata Steel’s Teesside Beam Mill and Skinningrove site will also volunteer at the event to ensure it runs safely and smoothly.

Jon Bolton, director Tata Steel Long Products, said: “I am delighted to see this event is going to break its own record for the number of kids taking part.

“All the children who get involved have a brilliant time with teachers and parents also seeing the value it has in getting children engaged with an event which promotes health, wellbeing and sport in a safe and friendly environment.”

Leeds based Olympian, double Commonwealth Games medallist and Rio 2016 hopeful Vicky Holland is encouraging the youngsters to give it a go.

She said: "It's great to know that Tata-Kids of Steel is returning to Teesside. It will be brilliant to see more than 1,200 children swimming, biking and running, with big smiles on their faces. It is important to see events that allow children to have a go after home Olympic and Commonwealth Games."

All the equipment is provided, including bikes and helmets, so children only need to bring their swimming and running kit. Every child that takes part receives a medal in recognition of their achievement, in addition to a gym bag with a T-shirt and swim cap.

Tata Steel has been a partner of the British Triathlon Federation (BTF) since 2006 and the connection continues as the BTF returns as a community sponsor of the annual event.

Jack Buckner, chief executive of British Triathlon, said: “The Tata – Kids of Steel triathlon series is a hugely successful product for the sport, breaking down the traditional barriers to taking part. It is great to continue the long-standing work we do with Tata Steel, and we are also delighted that the series will once again be delivered by our charitable arm, the British Triathlon Trust, which was set up to help us inspire a generation."