Seasoned veterans and first time competitors will come together to take part in a popular triathlon as it returns for a sixth year.

The annual Beccles Triathlon will take place on Sunday, June 3, with 147 individual entrants and 17 relay teams signed up to take part.

Competitors will start off by swimming 480 metres in the town’s lido, before cycling a 20.3k loop to Bungay and back, finishing with a 6/7k run around the Waveney riverbank to finish at the pool.

The event was first established by Beccles Triathlon Club in 2013 and is now officially recognised by the Triathlon England East League.

Event administrator Isabel Pollock said: “There is such good will around the day and it is such a good event.

“We have some real top athletes taking part but we also encourage people who have never done a triathlon before to take part as well.

“It doesn’t matter if you have to walk some of the way or how long it takes, it is all about getting involved.”

She added: “We are just hoping for good weather.”

Once again the race will enjoy an “eccentric start” as Robert Tilney of R Tilney and Son Gunsmiths, in Smallgate, uses a musket as a starting pistol to signal the beginning of the race.

On the day members of Beccles Sea Cadets and Beccles Army Cadets will acts as marshals around the course.

Ms Pollock added: “It is always humbling the amount of people who come turn up and help out.”

The organiser also spoke of the rise in popularity triathlons have experienced in recent time.

She said: “The first event took place just after the London 2012 Olympics and sport in general was getting a big promotion.

“Triathlons have become more popular in general – the three different disciplines give people variety.

“In my experience triathletes tend to be very peer supportive. Of course there is friendly competition but mainly it is just so funny.

“On the day with race nerves it’s almost like people stop thinking properly.”

For more information on the event visit www.becclestri.com or the Beccles Triathlon Facebook page.