CLOSE to 100 competitors are expected to take part in next weekend's Peebles Duathlon.

The 12 miles of running and 12 miles of cycling will start and finish at the Gytes next Sunday.

The race, which is the penultimate event on the 2016 Live Borders Triathlon calendar, has already attracted entries from as far away as Ellon, Newcastle, Kilbarchan, Stirling and Dundee.

Last year’s event attracted over 80 entries and organisers are confident that even more will participate this time around.

Live Borders host events at Galashiels, Hawick, Kelso, Peebles and Selkirk with the season finale taking place at Eyemouth on Sunday, September 18.

Neil Renton, Live Borders sports development officer, told the Peeblesshire News: “Duathlon and triathlon are continuing to go from strength to strength in the Borders with people coming from near and far to test themselves at six beautiful locations throughout the region.”

Action starts at The Gytes Leisure Centre at 9am when runners will complete a 5k route along the banks of the Tweed.

Competitors will then get on their bikes for a 12-mile cycle on the B7062 to Cardrona and back before completing the circuit with another 5k run.

Ewan Jackson, Live Borders chief executive, told us: “The triathlon series is one of the many success stories being delivered by the Sports Development team.

"It’s great to be able to offer duathlon as a unique event as it removes any barriers for participants who might not be confident in the water”.

Entries for both the Peebles and Eyemouth events can be made through the Live Borders website at www.liveborders.org.uk