British Triathlon has launched a social and digital campaign to encourage 10,000 people across the UK to visit their local gym or leisure centre and give the sport a go.

Through partnerships with leisure operators, the #YourGOTRI campaign will give communities an opportunity to get involved with an Olympic sport in their area.

The campaign, which will run throughout the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games period (5 August - 30 September), aims to encourage newcomers to create their own personal triathlon experience. Since London 2012, the number of triathlon events has increased by 63 per cent, with on average 24 competitions per week across Great Britain. Growth has also been seen across all demographics with an 88 per cent rise in membership among women, and a 169 per cent increase among young people aged 16-18.

By visiting www.gotri.org/yourgotri, people can create their own triathlon, selecting a swim, cycle and run from options including a “trip to the pool”, “pedal in the park”, and “jog round the block”. Participants can “row in the gym” instead of a swim, if they do not want to get wet, or do not have a local pool.

Once participants have created their own triathlon, they will be supported with tips and training plans from experts at British Triathlon, which is the governing body of the sport.

Jack Buckner, British Triathlon CEO, said: “Insight tells us that people are put off taking part in a triathlon because it’s too challenging, intimidating and expensive. This campaign will eliminate these barriers. We will be encouraging as many people as possible to give the sport a go in any format which suits their budget, diary and ability. We hope this inclusive, flexible approach will drive more people to leisure facilities across the UK and introduce a new audience to the sport of triathlon.”

The Men’s and Women’s Olympic Triathlon events will take place on 18 and 20 August respectively. The Men’s and Women’s Paralympic Triathlon competitions will take place on 10 and 11 September respectively.