8,000 line up for London Triathlon

The event will start a month after London's election as the Host City for the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.

The Triathlon is one of the major events in London's sporting calendar.

A strong UK field lining up for the event includes Athens Olympic team members Michelle Dillon and Jodie Swallow and defending champion Andrea Whitcombe.

They will participate alongside sporting celebrities including London 2012 ambassador James Cracknell and fellow Olympians Greg Searle and Adrian Moorhouse MBE.

Starting at ExCeL, a venue for the 2012 Games, the London Triathlon passes some of the city's most famous landmarks including Tower Bridge, the London Eye and Big Ben.

Thousands of spectators are expected to line the route, particularly for the popular swimming leg of the race held at Royal Victoria Docks.

Nick Rusling, Event Director of the Michelob ULTRA London Triathlon said: "The London Triathlon is a fantastic challenge for thousands of competitors from all walks of life.

"We look forward to joining the many spectators coming to cheer them over the finishing line as they compete alongside some of the best triathletes in the world."

At the London 2012 Olympic Games, Hyde Park will provide a stunning backdrop for the Triathlon.

Three thousand spectators will enjoy a grandstand view of the finishing area, with many thousands more enjoying the action as the athletes cycle and run throughout the park.

The triathlon is a relatively new Olympic event, making its Olympic debut at the Sydney Games in 2000.

The famous Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge provided a stunning and memorable backdrop to the Swimming leg of the event.

5 August 2005