It is almost time to register for one of Beccles’s most popular fundraisers.

The Beccles Triathlon opens for registration on Saturday, December 19 at 11am - and hopefuls will have to be quick, as last year’s event sold out in two hours.

The event starts and finishes at the Beccles Lido, which is the race’s main beneficiary.

Lido director Shaun Crowley said: “Beccles Triathlon is one of the Lido’s big fundraisers, and we also wanted to make it a real community event – not just for seasoned triathletes but just as importantly for local people who want to set themselves a personal challenge.

“It has been just awesome to see the smiles on people’s faces when they complete their first-ever triathlon with their family cheering them on. Some have gone on to become top club athletes, even representing Great Britain, while others have retired straight away with happy memories and a personal best.”

As in previous years, the Beccles Triathlon will include of swimming 500 metres in the Lido, cycling a 20.3k loop to Bungay and back, then running to the quay and around the Waveney river bank and back for 6.7k to finish at the Lido.

Entrants can either complete all three disciplines or enter as a three-person relay team.

The event has also been accepted into the Triathlon England East Region League for 26, putting Beccles on the triathlon map.

Event administrator Isabel Pollock said: “Getting East Region League status is a real endorsement of what a top-quality event the Beccles Triathlon is and we look forward to welcoming the region’s top club athletes as well as competitors entering their first triathlon, for which we are a perfect first race.”

Visit www.becclestri.com for full details of the event and how to register.

Ten spaces will be kept back for anyone wanting to compete sponsored in aid of the Lido. Anyone interested should email admin@becclestri.com.