THE 17th annual Clacton Triathlon takes place on Saturday and Sunday, at Holland Haven Country Park.

Nearly 500 triathletes will be competing in the three senior and four junior events, organised by the Clacton Triathlon Club.

The super sprint swim start is at 8.30am on Saturday, followed at 8.50am by the sprint swim start, with the junior events beginning at 12.45pm.

On Sunday, the Olympic distance swim start is at 8.30am, with the two-lap bike section following a route through Kirby Cross, Thorpe, Tan Lane, Sladburys Lane and back to Holland-on-Sea.

All proceeds will once again go to the Brain and Spine Foundation.

So far, a staggering £75,000 has been raised for the charity, since the first Clacton Triathlon in 1999.

Representatives from the charity will be on hand to present the prizes.