ATHLETES will be putting pedal to the metal at the weekend to take part in the annual Maldon Triathlon event.

Taking place on Sunday and beginning in Promenade Park, the event consists of an open water swim, cycle ride and finishes with a lapped run with two distances to choose from.

The sprint distance will be a 750 meter swim, 28km cycle and 5km run, with an Olympic distance of a 1.5km swim, 45km cycle and 10km run.

Contestants will enter the chilly waters of the River Blackwater at 5.45am on Sunday, print distance athletes will complete one loop of the course and Olympic distance athletes will complete two loops. Water safety marshals will be present both on shore and with motorised boats and canoes.

The cycle course takes athletes out of the park and onto the quiet scenic roads of the Dengie Peninsula, passing through small towns and villages with a fast and flat course over the marshes.

The final running leg of the triathlon will be around Promenade Park, with spectators invited to watch from the many cafes and stalls within the grounds.

The event takes place on Sunday, with contestants needing to be registered by 4am in the park.

Spectators are welcome at any time during the day.

Visit www.dengieevents.co.uk/maldon-tri-race-info.