The organisers of the Blenheim Palace Triathlon have welcomed a rise in the number of local people taking part in the event.

The triathlon returns this weekend (June 3 and 4) with athletes from across the UK heading to the palace in Woodstock to compete.

At last year’s event, almost one in every five participants were from Oxfordshire, and organisers LimeLight Sports Club are confident the number will continue to grow.

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Managing director James Hogben said: “Completing a triathlon in the grounds of Blenheim Palace is completely unique.

“Many of our participants come from across the UK to take part but it’s great to see more and more local people signing up as well.”

The event is thought to be the only triathlon in the world which takes place in the grounds of a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the most-popular mass participation triathlons in Europe.

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With two different levels of triathlon – either a 400m swim, 13.3km bike, and 2.9k run, or a 750m swim, 19.8km bike, and 5.4k run - and the option of taking part alongside friends in a relay, the event appeals to newcomers and experienced athletes.

There is also a Weekend Warrior option where people can complete as many back-to-back triathlons as they can over the weekend.

Day tickets are available from the palace’s website for those wanting to cheer on the competitors.

For more information, including how to sign up for this year’s Oxford Half Marathon which takes place on October 15, visit: https://limelightsports.club.