A MOULTON man is going back to his homeland when he embarks on a triathlon with a difference across the Highlands.

Alex Cartney is running, cycling and kayaking, rather than swimming, in a two-day coast to coast adventure across Scotland starting on September 12.

On the first day the 27-year-old triathlete, a member of Knutsford Tri Club, will run seven miles, cycle 50 miles and kayak for a mile.

The second day will see him run 13 miles, cycle 37 miles and kayak for a mile and a half.

"It should be pretty good," he said.

"I heard about the race a couple of years back and always wanted to do something like that.

"My dad's family is from Scotland so it's going back to the homeland."

Alex, who was born in Manchester and has lived in Scotland, moved to Moulton when he was about five, attending Moulton School, Weaverham High School and Sir John Deane's College then going on to university.

He works for Everybody Sport and Recreation as a active lifestyle facilitator.

He started doing triathlons at the end of 2010.

"I trained for them to lose weight because I was a big guy before and I just caught the bug and now do them competitively and do dual-a-thon events where you run, bike and run," he said.

"I like all three triathlon disciplines - for the first couple of years I liked my running but this time I really like my cycling," he said.

He is hoping to raise money for the charity Jeans for Genes with the challenge.

"The charity helps people with genetic disorders across the country," he said.

"It's a good cause and one you don't hear much about."

To sponsor Alex visit justgiving.com/Alex-Cartney1