GET on your running shoes because the St Helens Triathlon is back.

The third annual event, which is hosted by Haydock-based card processing company Handepay in association with the Steve Prescott Foundation, will take place on Sunday September 10.

The triathlon was a dream of former Saints and charity superstar Steve Prescott, who died from a rare brain tumour in 2013.

The foundation is Handepay’s nominated charity, having pledged to raise £20,000 in the next 18 months after raising more than £13,000 in 2016.

The did this with a series of fund raising events including The Grand Final Walk from their offices in Haydock to Old Trafford for the Rugby League Grand Final in October.

Andy Peake, managing director of Handepay, said: “It’s a pleasure to be able to continue to raise money and support the great work of the Steve Prescott Foundation.

“We are thrilled to be able to sponsor such a challenging local event that was Steve Prescott’s dream.”

Gemma Webster, sports development officer at St Helens Council, added: “The St Helens Triathlon is a fantastic event for residents to get fit, try something new and support a worthy cause.

“We are currently working with British Triathlon and St Helens Tri club to develop a beginners' triathlon programme, culminating in a summer 'Go Tri' event.

“We are building on our successful Couch to 5k model, providing an opportunity to try the different elements and take part in a very short version, a great practise event before the St Helens Triathlon”

The event has attracted more than 200 participants from across the UK in each of the first two years.

Martin Blondel, general manager of the Steve Prescott Foundation, has described the event as the hardest logistical challenge in the SPF’s history.

The event will start with an open water swim section at Eccleston Mere and will include standard and sprint triathlon distance.

Team entries are also welcomed.

The cycle phase of the triathlon starts at Eccleston Mere and tackles the famous challenge of “Shaley Brow” into Orrell and back down past the Lancashire Manor Hotel through Crawford Village then into Rainford High School, who will host the second transition area.

The triathletes will then head back out to Crank for another loop of the cycling course with the sprint triathletes setting out from the school onto a 5km course around Rainford.

On completion of the 25-mile bike ride the Olympic triathletes will attempt the Rainford 10k run course to finish the triathlon.

Early bird prices are available until April 1.

Sprint distance (750m/20km/5km) £40 BTF/BE Members, non-members £45

Standard distance (1.5km/40km/10km) £48 BTF/BE Members, non-members £53

Open water swimming training at Eccleston Mere is planned and will continue every Monday evening throughout the summer.

Full changing facilities are available and a nominal fee will be charged with profits going to the Steve Prescott Foundation.

For sponsorship opportunities call Martin Blondel on 07971 792859 and to register for the triathlon visit sthelenstriathlon.com