The UK Cross Training Association (UKXTA) is set to launch a new event called the Octathalon at the UKXTA Cup on 29 July.

The event, which will be held at the Olympiad Leisure Centre in Chippenham, will feature eight pieces of gym equipment and four rounds of races, with each race lasting around 11-12 minutes. It will require extreme levels of strength and cardiovascular fitness.

The UKXTA anticipates that more than 300 spectators will watch the Octathalon event, which will also feature Suunto’s recently launched ‘team pod’ – a device that displays each competitor’s heart rate on a giant screen at the finish line. This will allow competitors to make race decisions based on their opponents’ performance.

In addition, the 2006 Cup will feature Octathalon leagues in which clubs will compete against each other UK-wide and locally in mini leagues. Details: www.ukxta.co.uk