IMG Worldwide has added another endurance race to its already extensive stable with the San Diego Triathlon, due to take place in March 2010.

The triathlon is set to attract international competitors with the region's temperate climate and modified Olymipc course. Athletes will take in a 1.5 km swim, a 35 km single loop scenic bike ride and a 10 km single loop flat run.

"San Diego is known as the birthplace of triathlon dating back to 1974 when the San Diego Track Club held the first ever 'triathlon' around Mission Bay," said James Leitz, IMG senior vice president.

"IMG is honoured to bring back a major triathlon event to the City of San Diego and the surrounding communities. We have been working very closely with the San Diego Sports Commission and City of San Diego to ensure that this race is not only successful in its inaugural year, but becomes an important annual event on the international triathlon calendar. The launch of the San Diego Triathlon further underscores IMG's commitment to growing the sport of triathlon on a global scale."

San Diego sports commission president, Alan Kidd, added: "Working with a world-class company like IMG to host the all new San Diego Triathlon fits in perfectly with the city of San Diego's overall campaign to brand the city as an international sports destination.

"IMG will successfully attract top professional and amateur athletes from around the world while the City of San Diego provides a picturesque backdrop for this prestigious race."

The new San Diego Triathlon will become part of the Escape To Alcatraz Triathlon Series, a series of qualifying races for participation in the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon, one of the hardest triathlons to get into and one of only a few triathlons to be televised across the United States.