MORE than 160 competitors have signed up for the annual Darlington Triathlon, which will raise much-needed funds for various charities.

Darlington Rotary Club is hosting the event at Darlington School of Mathematics & Science on Sunday 4 (May 4).

More competitors are expected to sign up before then, with entries still being taken at entrylive.com

The triathlon includes a 400m swim, a 21km bike ride along country lanes and a 5km run through closed roads and footpaths.

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

Competitors will be 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 2pm.

A prize ceremony will be held between 2pm and 3pm, once all runners have finished.

Winners will be announced and will be presented with their trophies.

The triathlon will raise money for Rotary Club charities, including St Teresa’s Hospice.

Special viewing areas will be provided for spectators, and refreshments will be available.