The Blenheim Triathlon is fast becoming the second largest event of its kind in the UK after entries reached the 2,000 mark -- and the organisers have pledged to keep entries open for Oxford Mail readers.

Although the closing date for general entries has now passed, our readers can still enter the event, which will take place at Blenheim Palace on Sunday, May 22.

Already hundreds of triathlon first-timers have signed up for the event and many Oxfordshire entrants have pledged to take part to raise funds for the Oxford Children's Hospital campaign.

Competitors will swim across the lake before cycling and running around the scenic grounds in Woodstock.

About 300 places are still available for Oxfordshire entrants -- and the organisers are encouraging people to snap them up soon. Nick Garcia, Blenheim Triathlon spokesman, said: "So far it's been a phenomenal success, it's really going well.

"Entries have now surpassed the 2,000 mark, but we have 500 ring-fenced places especially for Oxford Mail readers. Entries have come in so much faster than we ever expected."

Alistair Campbell, the former Government spin doctor, has already signed up to take part, as have scores of first-timers keen to try out the multi-discipline sport, which is among the fastest growing sports in the country.

There are two different distances available to competitors.

The sprint is the longer of the two distances and requires entrants to swim 750m before cycling 20km and then running 5km.

The super sprint is half that distance and involves a 400m swim, a 10km bike and a 2.5km run.

For those who feel all three disciplines at once is a tall order, there is a relay event open to teams of three people with each person completing one event.