This year's Cold Storage Singapore International Triathlon is set to be the country's biggest and most prestigious, after the event regained its international sanctioning from the International Triathlon Union (ITU) and the Asian Triathlon Confederation.

The Sept 28-29 event, which will be held at East Coast Park, is now also a part of the 2013 ITU Asian Cup Series.

Organised by the Triathlon Association of Singapore (TAS), this year's event is expected to cater to some 3,500 participants over six categories, including the new Family Relay Challenge.

Other categories include the Best Triathlete Family, the Mini Triathlon, the Sprint Triathlon and the Kids Triathlon.

Said TAS general manager Eugene Ong: "With new initiatives such as the Family Relay Challenge and the Tri-Club Challenge in this year's edition, we hope to promote a sporting culture among Singaporeans. The idea is to incorporate a healthy and active lifestyle from an early age and to continue with this philosophy through life."

The Standard Distance category will take place on Sept 29 over the Olympic distance of 1.5km swim, 20km bike and 10km run. Elite and Junior Elite winners will gain points for their ITU world ranking.

Registration for the event is now open and will close on Aug 25. Visit www.triathlon.sg for more information.