HARWICH Runners are preparing for one of the biggest dates in their diary.

The club are getting set to host their Olympic distance triathlon on Sunday.

The prestigious event includes a one-mile sea swim and follows hot on the heels of their successful sprint triathlon, held in June.

“The Harwich Triathlons have been going since 2006 and have grown in popularity year on year,” said Harwich Runners chairman Peter Gooding.

“It’s now a well-established part of the East Anglian sporting calender.

“Our triathlons are open to everyone – both novice and experienced triathletes – and both have a reputation for being safe, well-run events.”

The Olympic distance triathlon is made up of a challenging one-mile sea swim, a 40km bike ride and a 10km run along Dovercourt promenade.

The seafront will be busy with competitors, especially close to the skating rink and the Blue Flag Cafe.

Both would be especially good places to watch from.

The event starts at 1.40pm.

Staging the two triathlons last year enabled the club to give £700 each to the Mayflower project and Harwich and Dovercourt Swimming Club.