SCORES of athletes are expected to compete in the eighth Taunton Triathlon at Taunton School over a new course this weekend.

The event, organised by Yeovil-based Immortal Sport, has been moved to 5pm on Saturday (May 26) to avoid clashing with the three-day Pontispool Horse Trials.

The race involves a 400m swim in the school pool, followed by a 21km bike route essentially following the B3227 west from Taunton to Milverton and back, before the 5km run via Firepool Lock, along Canal Road before returning to the finish line at Taunton School.

It is open to athletes aged 15 and over, and is regarded as a competitive course, which is friendly for first time triathletes.

Last year's winners are not returning, but expect to see a strong showing by athletes from Taunton based Somerset RC Tri.

Of the 212 athletes currently registered, well over 80 are from the Taunton area, while the furthest travelled are from Accrington and Sheffield to the north and Norfolk to the east, with several from Shropshire and Cornwall.

The first athletes are expected to finish at around 6.30pm and spectators are welcome, although no dogs are allowed on the school grounds.

There is still time to enter here and organisers are still keen to recruit local marshals.