COMPETITORS are limbering up to compete in July’s triathlon at Castle Howard.

The stately home is being used as the backdrop for the latest triathlon being organised by Telemark Productions. Other events are being held at Cholmondeley Castle, Cheshire, Chateau Chantilly, in Picardy, France, and Hever Castle, in Kent with the aim being to host the events in some of the most stunning locations available.

Thousands of people are expected to converge on Castle Howard on July 24 and 25, with as many as 1,000 people competing in the various events.

The shortest course, which is designed for eight to 10-year-olds, will involve a 100m swim, a five- kilometre bicycle ride and a 1.3- kilometre run, while the longest involves an 800m swim, a 46-kilometre ride and 10-kilometre run.

Each of the events utilises the grounds of Castle Howard, with the swim taking place in the Great Lake and competitors coming out on the North Lawn. They will then head out on to the famous tree-lined avenue to start a cycle ride circumnavigating the villages of Slingsby, Hovingham and Terrington in the Howardian Hills.

The race culminates in a run that meanders through the estate grounds, finishing with competitors sprinting across the main lawn to the finish in front of Castle Howard itself.

The triathlon will raise cash for Help For Heroes and the Teenage Cancer Trust.

For more information or to book a place on the triathlon, visit castletriathlonseries.co.uk