THE countdown is on to one of Inverclyde’s biggest sporting events.

Staff at Gourock Outdoor Pool and fitness gym are gearing up for the annual triathlon and junior aquathlon at the Albert Road facility.

It takes place on Sunday August 20 and will see hundreds of people test themselves in the water, on the street and on the road.

The triathlon consists of a 5km run to McInroy’s Point, a half-mile swim and 10-mile cycle along Cloch Road.

There is also a team event for three competitors to take on a leg of the race each.

Juniors will be tasked with a quarter-mile — 12 lengths — in the pool and a 3k run.

Lauren O’Donnell, manager of Gourock pool and gym, said: “Our biggest event in terms of participation is the Kilmacolm Running Festival but strategically and logistically this is the biggest with it involving a 10-mile stretch of road.

“We had in excess of two hundred taking part last year.

“It tends to be well attended and people travel here because it’s such a unique venue and it’s easy to sign up to online.

“People who want to do open water triathlons do our event first.

“Most triathlons in the UK tend to involve indoor pools but we’re unique because we’re outdoors.”

Lauren, fitness adviser Niki Muir, lifeguard Sarah Glenny and the rest of the Inverclyde Leisure staff at the Albert Road are putting the finishing touches to preparations and are encouraging as many competitors and spectators to come along on the day.

She said: “At the moment we’re looking for more people to sign up to challenge their fitness.

“You don’t have to be super competitive, it’s just a great event. There’s also a barbecue so it’s good to come down as a spectator as well.”

The closing date for entries, which can be made online at www.entrycentral.com is August 11.