ATHLETES from Knutsford hope theirs will be the best-supported triathlon in the region this summer.

James Whittaker, who carried the Olympic torch through his home town last year, and Robin Maxwell have joined forces to organize their version of the triple discipline sport.

It will take place at Salford Quays.

“Triathlon is one of the fastest-growing mass participation sports in the UK,” said Maxwell, founder of Knutsford Tri Club.

“It has a strong following in Knutsford, but we’ve not had much of an opportunity locally to put our hard training into practice.

“Instead we’ve decided to make it happen ourselves.”

The Salford Triathlon, penciled in for August, will be the first at the venue – now home to MediaCityUK – in six years.

Maxwell and Whittaker hope to attract 1,000 athletes, including friends from Knutsford Tri Club, to tackle a course that incorporates a 1,500m swim, 40km bide ride and 10km waterfront run.

It is the same criteria as that for competitors at the Olympic Games.

A shorter, sprint version will take place over half the distance.

Whittaker said: “It will be a fast, flat course and competitors will be able to enjoy the stunning backdrop of MediaCityUK.

“For those who just want to tackle one leg of the race, relay teams can also enter.”

For further details, visit the event website at salfordtriathlon.com.