The 'Big East' Middle Distance triathlon, involving a 1.5-kilometre tidal river swim, an 86-kilometre and a 20-kilometre run, is set to begin in Promenade Park, Maldon, this Saturday (September 2).

Organised by Active Training World (ATW), the race will begin in the afternoon, although competitors are encouraged to stay behind for the 'after-party'. In order to time the start with the high tide, the race will begin at 1.50pm, with registration opening at noon.

Due to the tidal flow, the swim leg has a strict cut-off time of 1 hour and 10 minutes. The overall event has a cut-off time of six hours.

Alongside the Middle Distance event, participants can also opt to take on the usual distances of a 'Standard' or 'Sprint' triathlon.

A spokesperson for ATW said: "Transgender athletes are, and will continue to be, very welcome at recreational and competitive activities in Triathlon. There will be a Female category open to athletes who are the female sex at birth and an Open category for all other athletes."

Those not wanting to take part in the 20-kilometre run can choose from a middle and standard distance Aquabike (swim-bike) option instead. For those wishing to compete as a team, there is a middle distance relay option, with two or three individuals sharing the disciplines between them.

The run course is a flat five-kilometre loop that heads out and back along the Promenade, before taking the footpath along the sea wall and heading back to 'Race HQ'. The last kilometre is to be completed in a loop around Promenade Park.

The swim portion will use a new 750-metre swim course for 2023, starting next to the statue of Byrhtnoth, heading out towards Northey Island. A non-draft legal bike leg will take athletes out of Maldon and onto the roads of the Dengie Peninsula, through Latchingdon, Tillingham, Steeple and Mayland.

For more information, visit the Triathlon's booking website.

Read more

• WATCH: Maldon & Tiptree FC fans hold Bank Holiday foodbank collection to help local families
• Maldon Film Club to collaborate with Maldon Books for special discounts as 19th season begins next month
• Maldon student gets top male GCSE grades at Royal Hospital School in Holbrook