CHILDREN as young as six sampled the joys of three sporting disciplines in the second GoTri Acomb Family Triathlon.

Family teams of up to five members swam 400 metres in a relay, then all members took on a 1km bike ride and a 600m run at Energise Sports Centre, Acomb.

Younger participants could do their part of the swim relay in the small pool, while older members used the main pool, the bike ride took in the centre's Astroturf area and the run went through the centre's nature reserve.

The event was so successful, organisers will immediately start planning a repeat next year that could involve more centres in the city.

"It's been a good day," said community sport manager Chris Armstrong of Better, which runs the centre. "Many of those taking part were having a go at the activities for the first time. That was the aim, and we achieved it, absolutely."

The event was part of a series organised under British Triathlon's GoTri banner to encourage more to take up the three-discipline sport and was not competitive.

On September 29, Energise will host an aquathon where participants will swim 200 metres before going straight onto a 2km run. The event will be limited to those aged 14 plus.