Waterways Ireland Triathlon takes place today

Thousands of people are descending on Athlone today for the Waterways Ireland Triathlon.

The annual event is Ireland's biggest triathlon and one of the top 10 events of its kind in Europe.

It will see athletes participating in a swim, run and cycle through the town.

Over 2,500 people are taking part and over 12,000 spectators are also expected to turnout for today's events.

The Waterway's Ireland event has also won the bid to host the 2010 European Championships in Athlone.

One of the organisers, Emma Heavin, said this year's race is something of a trial run for the championships next summer.