TIME is running out to sign up for this year's Stockton Duathlon with hundreds of people already on course to take part.

The event, which comes to Stockton Riverside on Sunday, April 26, is set to be the biggest yet following the strong success of previous years and its growing appeal to people of all levels of ability.

There are three separate races, all following a simple run-ride-run format:

• Novice – 2k run, 10k cycle, 1k run

• Sprint – 5k run, 20k cycle, 2.5k run

• Standard – 10k run, 40k cycle, 5k run

Councillor Ken Dixon, Stockton Borough Council’s cabinet member for arts, leisure and culture, said: “This is a really exciting opportunity to get involved with a major sporting event happening right here in Stockton Borough.

“For those just wanting to get a taste of the action or to give themselves a great fitness goal there is a shorter Novice race or for athletes wanting a bit more of a challenge then there are the Sprint and Standard distances as well."

The Sprint and Standard races will also act as GB Age Group Team qualifiers for the 2015 ITU Duathlon World Championships or 2016 ETU Duathlon European Championships respectively.

The cycling elements take place on fully closed roads and the running sections of the race take in the stunning backdrop and scenery of the River Tees, the iconic Infinity Bridge and the Tees Barrage.

A new element of the Duathlon for 2015 is the ‘team challenge’ which is open to clubs, work teams or family and friend teams where the combined times of the fastest five finishers will determine the overall winners.

For more information and to book your place in the Duathlon, visit www.stockton.gov.uk/duathlon