Approximately 2, 000 people take part in the race each year, according to the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon website.

CNN: Man dies during California triathlon

More than 35, 000 runners are due to take part in the race.

BBC: London Marathon runners

He said his team were leaving on 31 December to take part in the race, which starts in Lima, Peru, on 5 January.

BBC: Tom Neathway

Competitors can either take part in the race when a date is announced, accept a full refund of their entry fee, or gain entry into the event next year.

BBC: Cumbria Great North Swim cancelled over safety fears

The 21-year-old, who was approached by a colleague at Sixways to take part in the race, said it has been a useful way of maintaining his fitness during the off-season.

BBC: Warriors trio set for triathlon

Michael Laverty was unable to take part in the second Superbike race but he expects to be fit for Cadwell Park.

BBC: Adrian Coates raced to victory in the Superstock event

And Matthew Hancock (West Suffolk) is training to take part in the first ever race involving amateur jockeys to be ridden on Newmarket's world famous July Course.

BBC: Summer recess is no holiday for MPs

All four members of the Great Britain coxless four that won gold at the World Championships in Gifu earlier this year take part in the 550-crew Fours race.

BBC: SPORT | Other Sport... | Rowing | Cracknell to make one-off return

Klien, who will take part in a race weekend for the first time since the 2007 British Grand Prix when he replaced Jenson Button in second practice at Silverstone while at Honda, is eager to impress his new boss.

BBC: Hispania sign Austrian Christian Klien as test driver

When the race was announced in January thousands signed up to take part.

BBC: Marathon supporters at York castle