THE race is on for an annual Inverclyde sports extravaganza which is set to attract competitors from across Scotland.

Staff at Gourock Outdoor Pool and fitness gym are on their marks and ready to go for the 2016 triathlon and junior aquathlon on August 21.

Over 100 people have already signed up to take part across the adult, youth and team races, ensuring it will be another busy day at the Inverclyde Leisure centre.

Lauren O’Donnell, manager of the Gourock facility, said: “It’s Inverclyde Leisure’s second biggest event of the year after the Kilmacolm Running Festival.

“But it’s our most complicated to organise because of the three events and all the elements of them.

“It’s the biggest to prepare for and there’s lots of helpers required — we couldn’t do it without the volunteers.

“Now we’re just hoping for some sunshine on the day.”

The popularity of the Gourock triathlon continues to grow thanks to the attraction of the 107-year-old outdoor pool and the stunning coastal scenery.

Athletes from all over the country descend on the town for it each year.

Lauren said: “A lot of triathlons take place in indoor pools then competitors make their way outside or in open water such as lochs.

“So it’s a real draw for people getting that swimming pool experience with the lanes but you’re outside.

“It’s also a really nice bike ride along Cloch Road.

“We have people from all over Scotland signing up for our triathlon because of that ride along the waterfront and being next to the River Clyde.

“It’s shaping up to be another cracker.”

The main triathlon features a half-mile swim — 24 lengths, 10-mile cycle and 5k run.

The team event is the same format but with competitors working together to complete the race.

Juniors will take part in a 3k run and a quarter-mile swim — 12 lengths.

Lauren said: “We have 107 signed up so far and that’s across the three events.

“But we have capacity for 198 so there’s still spaces left.”

To sign up visit www.entrycentral.com