HUMAN Race this week announced that first time triathletes will be grouped together in a 'novice' wave in the Diamond Triathlon at Eton Dorney on September 23.

The decision was taken to offer the most welcoming and un-intimidating environment for new-comers to the sport after a summer that has inspired the nation.

New triathletes in the 'Novice' wave will benefit from an extended event briefing detailing information about safety, rules and regulations, as well as offering motivation and encouragement.

The event - supported by Olympic legend Daley Thompson - has been designed to give participants of all abilities the opportunity to get involved in the fastest growing mass participation sport.

The day's schedule will incorporate a wide mix of distances from sprint to Olympic, a team relay and scootathlon events for children aged four to eight - a 390 metre (m) scoot, 390m bike and 250m run.

The mix of age groups and distances will allow experienced athlete's to enjoy a competitive day whilst encouraging friends and family to come and complete an achievable event for themselves.

The beginners triathlon will consist of a 200m swim, 5.3km bike and 2.5km run. The swim is relatively short, but still enough to challenge anyone new to swimming out in the open water.

The bike is on roads closed to traffic meaning competitors will be safe as they make their way round at their own pace.

Finally, participants will complete a flat run which features some excellent vantage points for spectators to encourage them through the final metres of their inaugural triathlon.

Olympic double gold medallist Daley Thompson said: "What an amazing year it has been for sport in the UK.

"Part of any Olympic legacy should be about getting people involved in sport and the Diamond Triathlon is the perfect platform for people to do this, with swimming, cycling and running at the heart of the Games." The event will also raise funds for Thompson's chosen charity Laureus Sport for Good Foundation.

Laureus runs over 100 projects working with young people within the most deprived environments around the world to harness the power of sport to promote social change.

For further information about the event please contact Fern Saunders on 020 8399 3579 or e-mail fern.saunders@humanrace.co.uk ** PICK up a copy of Friday's Observer for all the latest sports news ** ** FOLLOW the Observer on Twitter @Observer_sports **