Up to 500 athletes will today aim to raise €250,000 for the homeless in the first-ever triathlon in central Dublin.
The gruelling event, which has been set up by Focus Ireland, consists of a 750 metre swim in the Grand Canal Basin in Ringsend followed by a 5km run and 20km cycle along the capital's quays.
The charity's popular Four Peaks Challenge raised €400,000 in June and a second event will be run next month to accommodate extra demand.
Each team in the event climbs the four highest mountains in Ireland during one weekend, scaling a total of 11,937 feet and completing a road trip of more than
800 miles.
The featured peaks are Carrauntoohil in Co Kerry, Co Mayo's Mweelrea, Slieve Donard in Co Down and Lugnaquilla in Co Wicklow.
Focus Ireland raised €6.3 million from fundraising events, donations and corporate support last year.
PA