A women's only triathlon returning to Mount Maunganui next month is receiving resounding support from women of all ages and fitness levels.

Event director Miranda Clark says this is shown in a record number of women attending free training sessions ahead of The Generation Homes Women's Triathlon on February 16.

Dianne Lewis and daughter Brenna Dixon are taking on the Generation Homes Women's Triathlon next month

Mount Maunganui was left without a women's only triathlon after the cancellation of the annual Real Women's Series in 2012 and Miranda says this year's record participant levels prove its importance.

'A lot of the ladies are so happy we're bringing a women's tri back. Participation for them is often hard at the best of times, especially if they're not 100 per cent happy with their fitness or appearance. So being women-only helps them feel comfortable.”

Almost 300 people have signed up to compete already and among them is seasoned triathlete and ironman competitor Dianne Lewis.

Dianne, 37, is tackling the challenge alongside mother Karen, 59, and daughter Brenna Dixon, 12, and says each carries their own strength.

'We're doing it as a mother/daughter team, but we're each doing the whole event. It will be cool, because I imagine my daughter will blitz us in the swim. Mum isn't confident on the bike but she has been training. I'm excited because it's an event we can do alongside each other and enjoy spending the time together.

'I'm sure there will be a sprint finish between the three of us. It's just the right distance to really enjoy it.”

Free training sessions for entrants are on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and Miranda says as many as 80 women are showing up each night.

'It's huge, we were expecting 20 or 30-odd, and these have been swim sessions so far, which people often shy away from.

'We find the biggest barrier is swimming, because swimming in a group is different to swimming alone, and swimming in a pool is completely different to Pilot Bay; so preparing for that is important.”

There will also be bike/run sessions, a mini trial run the Sunday prior and introductory gym sessions.

On the day, women can compete as individuals or as a relay team, swimming 400m, cycling 10km and running/walking 4km.

The Tauranga Triathlon Club is running this event. With more than 200 current members, the club offers many group training sessions year-round.

Entries received by December 16 go in the draw to win a $450 Avanti Women's Cruise bike and helmet prize.

Entry is $40 for an individual, or $60 for a team. Mother/daughter teams are $70 if both are racing as inviduals.

Further information about training sessions, and a free training programme, is available under the training section at www.trichicks.co.nz