DARLINGTON athletes are limbering up for the annual Rotary Club triathlon this weekend.

More than 150 competitors have already signed up for the event, to be held at Darlington School of Mathematics and Science, on Sunday (May 5).

Many more participants are expected to sign up in the days leading up to the event.

Organised by the Rotary Club of Darlington, and registered with British Triathlon, this event involves a 400m swim, a 21 km bike ride along country lanes and a five km run through closed roads and footpaths.

With road closures and a large number of marshals along the route, the event is popular with both beginners and more experienced athletes wishing to prepare for the triathlon season.

Competitors will begin arriving at 7am, with the event to begin at 8am as the first participants enter the pool.

The last participants are expected to cross the finish line at about 1.30pm.

A prize ceremony will be held between 1pm and 2pm, once all runners have finished.

The winners will be announced and presented with their trophies.

The triathlon will raise money for Rotary charities, including but not limited to St Teresa’s Hospice.