THE first ever Brilliant Bingley Biathlon has been launched to raise cash for three healthy good causes, including saving the town’s swimming pool.

The event, which combines a swim and a run, will be held in Bingley Pool and nearby Myrtle Park from 12pm on Sunday, July 10.

And the family and community occasion will have lots more on offer with food stalls and children’s entertainment around the park’s bandstand.

The biathlon is open to anyone aged eight and over and has been organised by the Friends of Bingley Pool (FOBP) in partnership with Bingley Harriers and Athletic Club and Bingley Amateur Swimming Club.

Proceeds from the event will be split equally amongst the three organisations.

And supporters of the threatened pool which Bradford Council intends to close will be spending any funds raised on its improvements.

Anna Mdee, who chairs FOPB, said: “This is an event for the whole community to enjoy our park and our pool, facilities we are fortunate to have in Bingley.

“We hope that young, old, sporty types and those trying to increase their fitness will take part.”

The biathlon involves swimming and running a set distance according to the competitor’s age and will be run under Pentathlon GB rules.

Bingley Harriers will be laying out and marshalling the run course with an 800m lap for all those aged under 12 and 1,600m for everyone else.

Harriers’ president John Smithurst said: “We are delighted to be part of the Biathlon and to encourage people to enjoy running in this lovely park.

“The course should challenge the dedicated runner as well as being suitable for competitors who simply want to have fun, take part and support their local clubs.”

Geoff Killock, chairman of Bingley Amateur Swimming Club which will be supervising the swim, said: “The beauty of biathlon is that it enables the whole family to take part and compete against each other.”

Entry forms are available at the pool or on line at Entry Central www.entrycentral.com/BingleyBiathlon. The registration fee is £7.50 per adult and £4.50 for children and concessions.

Registered charity Friends of Bingley Pool was set up last year, following Bradford Council’s decision to shut the pool.

However,the pool may not close for at some six years and until then FOBP is working with City Hall to increase its involvement with a view to taking it over.