Two mass-participation series of events will be held this year by USA Triathlon ©USA Triathlon

Two mass-participation series will be held this year by USA Triathlon in an attempt to increase the amount of people taking part in the sport in the nation.

The Splash & Dash Youth Aquathlon Series, first launched in 2012 with 30 events, will again be staged in 2016.

It will begin in Albuquerque in March and the 52-event series will conclude in Arizona in October.

More than 2,000 children, aged between seven and 15, are expected to participate in the Splash & Dash during the seven-month period.

USA Triathlon will itself host one of the events as it will stage the competition in Colorado Springs on August 21.

Those aged from seven to 10 will cover a 100 metres swim and a one kilometre run, while those aged from 11 to 15 will compete over double the distance in both events.

The Splash & Dash Youth Aquathlon Series will feature 52 events this year
The Splash & Dash Youth Aquathlon Series will feature 52 events this year ©USA Triathlon

The Retro Tri Series, meanwhile, is scheduled to feature five events, beginning in Albuquerque on April 23 and coming to an end in New Castle, Indiana on August 14.

The emphasis on the series is participation rather than competition as some of the events are not timed.

The aim is to introduce more Americans to the sport of triathlon, while also promoting camaraderie and friendship.

Those who attend the series of friendly competitions have been encouraged by USA Triathlon to wear retro-themed clothing to the events.

Anyone over the age of 13 who has a USA Triathlon annual or one-day membership can enter the Retro Tri Series, with each leg on the calendar comprising of a 300 to 400 yard swim, a five to 10 mile bike ride and a two to five kilometre run.