Shropshire Triathlon is on the road again

Shropshire Triathlon, which is expected to attract more than 500 competitors to Ellesmere in May, has been selected by the British Triathlon Federation (BTF) as one of three qualifying events for the 2017 European Triathlon Union Championship.

It comes after this year's event had to be cancelled due to a lack of entries. But organisers said the BTF decision meant they would be able to run the event again in 2016.

The event, which is supported by Shropshire Council and run by the Ellesmere Triathlon Organising Committee, will take place on May 29 in Cremorne Gardens, next to The Mere. Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council's cabinet member for business and culture, said: "Shropshire Council and the organising committee this week gave thanks to the British Triathlon Federation for this opportunity to once again host this prestigious event, which will showcase this superb location and focus the triathlon world on Shropshire."

Lincoln McMullan, member of Ellesmere Chamber of Trade and Commerce, said: "The hotels and the Boathouse do well out of it, and it helps put the town on the map.

"Hopefully it will be successful and will not be cancelled again."

In addition to the normal standard (Olympic) distance race, a sprint distance triathlon will also take place.

Shropshire Triathlon and Ellesmere Sprint Triathlon are both non-profit making events, which raise money for local and national charities.

Organisers say all of the local organisations that help to run the event enjoy helping out, and they hope that the 2016 event will once again generate much needed funds for their various causes.

Entries will be open for BTF members from 9am on Friday, for non-BTF members and relays from 9am on October 16, and sprint entries from 9am on October 23.

Early-bird discount will start from Friday and run until November 13.