SWIMMERS, runners and cyclists are being invited to sign up to the city’s first ever triathlon due to be held later this year.

York Sport Village will play host to the event on Sunday, April 27, and there are up to 400 entry places up for grabs.

Staff at the Sport Village are hoping that Yorkshire’s track record with producing world-class triathletes such as the Brownlee brothers will see some aspiring athletes sign up to the event.

“We are delighted that our fantastic facilities will be used for the triathlon in April,” said a York Sport Village spokesman.

“The launch of the event has created a lot of excitement with both staff and customers and a number of them have signed up to the sprint and relay categories.”

Individuals can enter the competition on their own or as a team of three and with two race options available to suit all abilities.

Entrants can choose from taking part in a 200m swim, 10k cycle and 2.5k run or a 400m swim, 20k cycle and 5k run.

The event is set within the grounds of the University of York on the Heslington campus, and organisers UK Triathlon say they are looking forward to bringing the sporting action to the city.

“We are extremely excited about our first event at this fantastic venue in York and look forward to returning year on year as the even grows,” a spokesman said.

The event, for which the Jane Tomlinson Appeal is the official charity partner, will start with the swimming in the heated indoor pool followed by cycling on a multi-lapped bike before ending the race with the run.

Despite having terminal cancer, Jane Tomlinson raised £1.85 million for charity by undertaking a series of athletic challenges including the London and New York marathons, before dying in 2007, aged 43.

To sign up visit to the York event, visit www.uktriathlon.co.uk