Triathlon swims cancelled over 'unsafe water'

The Hever Castle triathlons will be duathlons after the swimming segments were cancelled

All the swim segments at a triathlon event taking place in Kent have been cancelled over concerns about water quality.

The Castle Race Series is planned for Hever Castle on Saturday and Sunday.

In a statement on Friday organisers said the events will now become duathlons, with just running and cycling.

They said heavy rainfall had caused water run-off from the land to enter the lake, with the lake water failing multiple tests for safety.

A statement from Castle Race Series said: "This decision has been made in the best interest of participant health and safety following the wettest September on record in Hever.

"We understand how disappointing this news will be, especially given the training and preparations participants will have done for the swim section of their race, but the safety and well-being of participants is always the top priority."

Other events that included aquabikes and aquathlons will now become single discipline events.

Earlier in September the sea swimming leg of the 1066 Triathlon in Bexhill was cancelled because of concerns over water quality.

Hever Castle said it has had the wettest September on record

Spectators are also being warned to be prepared for wet conditions, with a field being used for car parking.

Anyone planning to camp at the event over the weekend should bring under tent protection, such as a tarpaulin or at least one ground sheet, to stop moisture seeping up into their tent.