NOW in its second year, the Monmouth Challenge Aquathlon will be held on the morning of Sunday 26th July – Carnival Sunday.

Following the success of last year's race, competitors will again swim in the River Wye and then run off-road alongside the river.

This year the route will go upstream to Biblins with a single-lap multi-terrain course in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Organiser Richard Newhouse said: "By July the river is surprisingly warm, so there is no need to wear a wetsuit.

"It's a great event for runners to try a multi-sport race."

Teams of two can compete as a relay, with one person swimming and the other running.

There will also be a straightforward 12km running race, starting at 11am, running to Biblins and across the bridge.

Monmouth Tri Club are again staging the race, based at the Monmouth School Sports Centre. All the races share the same finish, and there will be full chip timing for all categories.

Competitors are advised to enter in advance and can find details on the website http://www.monmouthtriclub.co.uk">www.monmouthtriclub.co.uk.