There are less than four weeks left to train for the annual Thompson Triathlon, which takes place on Aug. 8 this year, about three weeks earlier than last year.

This year's triathlon will feature staggered start times, with the Olympic distance and duathlon competitors starting at 8 a.m., sprint distance competitors at 8:45 a.m. and those in the Try a Tri beginning at 9:15 a.m. All events apart from the duathlon begin with a swim at the Norplex Pool.

Olympic distance triathletes complete 60 lengths of the 25-metre pool, while those in the sprint do 30 and Try a Tri racers complete 16.

The bike course will travel down Highway 391 north of the city and cover 20 kilometres, with Olympic distance racers performing two laps, sprint and duathlon competitors one, while those in the Try a Tri will cover 15 kilometres on their bikes.

The five-kilometre running route will be through the city, with those in every event apart from the Olympic distance completing one circuit. Olympic distance triathletes will circle the running course twice. Three aid stations with water and sports drinks will be placed along the route.

For more information or to register in the triathlon, call the recreation department at 677-7956 or 677-7963.

Registration fees are $25 per person for individual entries or $20 per person for each member of a relay team. Registration should be completed by Aug. 1, though there will also be race day registration starting at 7 a.m.