The search is on for athletes to take part in the Bank of Bermuda Foundation's team and individual triathlon events.

The team version of the popular annual event will take place on September 30, while the individual competition follows a week later.

On the same dates there will also be duathlon team and individual events for juniors.

The series marks the 17th year that the Bank of Bermuda Foundation has sponsored the triathlon. Last year, more than 400 athletes participated, with 180 adults and 80 junior competitors in the team events.

Steven Petty, president of the Bermuda Triathlon Association (BTA) described the competition as competitive and challenging.

He said: "The Bank of Bermuda Foundation Triathlon is an annual event to be marked on the calendar of every local athlete. Its course is competitive and challenging for those participating and a great thrill for the community to witness."

The team adult sprint triathlon will comprise teams of three athletes, one of whom will do either the half-mile swim, the 12-mile cycle ride or the three-mile run.

Categories include open, mixed corporate, female corporate, junior teams (aged 13-plus), female, masters (40-plus)family and service division (for active members of the Police Fire Service, Regiment, etc.). The team entry fee is $36.

The team junior ultra sprint event comprises a half-mile run, a two-and-a-half-mile bike ride and another half-mile run for seven to 10-year-olds, while 11 to 14 year-olds will compete over a one-mile run, five-mile bike ride and one-mile run course. Junior teams pay an entry fee of $15.

The race distances are the same for the individual event on the following Sunday, when adult entry will cost $25, while juniors will pay $10 each.

David Lang, director of the Foundation, said the triathlon is known for attracting all types from the Island's athletic community, from young people to those from the corporate world.

He added: "What's great about this triathlon event is that it welcomes a broad range of participants. Individual athletes, corporate teams, men, women and juniors, are all eligible.

"It's very much a community-spirited event and a chance to celebrate our local athletes. We consider sport to be an integral part of personal and community development.

"This event is not only about competitive sport but also an outlet to promote healthy and active lifestyles."

The closing date for all entries is Wednesday, September 26, at 5 p.m. for the team events and Wednesday, October 3 at 5 p.m. for the individual events. Entry forms are available from Sportseller, Bicycle Works, Winner's Edge and any Bank of Bermuda branch.