its ninth edition at Clearwater Beach on Saturday, June 7, starting at 9.30 a.m.

Event organisers believe that children are natural when it comes to swimming, cycling and running and noted this week that specific training for the Ironkids was not required. Most children, they claim, participate in the three activities every day and as such find little difficulty in completing the distances.

The seven to 10 year-old boys and girls will tackle a 100 metre swim, two-and-a-half mile cycle and half mile run while the 11-14 year-olds will complete double that distance -- a 200 metre swim, five mile cycle and one mile run.

Since the inaugural event in 1989 when there were 112 entries, numbers have steadily grown -- 175 registered last year. And organisers anticipate another large entry this time.

A total of 48 prizes will be awarded to the age group winners. In addition, sponsors Gibbons Deposit Company will open a saving account on behalf of each competitor.

Entry forms are available at Gibbons Company, the New Winners Edge and Sportseller. Entry deadline is 5.00 p.m. next Tuesday and forms must be returned to Gibbons Company only.

This Sunday's Bermuda Bicycle Association event scheduled for St. David's at 9.00 a.m. has been called off.