It's all about sport this weekend

The semi marathon in Nice is among one of the three main sporting events taking place this weekend

Nice Semi Marathon

Taking place in the Côte D'Azur capital, the 21st edition of the half marathon will pass some of the city's most idyllic sites including the Albet 1er gardens, Belle Epoque hotels, and the port before finishing on the legendary Promenade des Anglais.  

Partcipants have the chance to pick between a 21.1km, 10km or 5km course which will begin at the Quai des Etats-Unis.

Over the years, the half marathon has grown and become one of the most prominent events within the region. Around 7,000 people participate and a remarkable level of performance is achieved each year. 

Participants have until Thursday to sign up. For more information, please visit http://www.nicesemimarathon.com

Tristar Cannes

Cannes will be hosting the Tristar sporting event for the first time this year and it will include two different triathlon events. The first, the Tristar 111, is aimed towards dedicated and well-trained triatheletes and will involve an enduring course of 1km of swimming, 100km's of cycling and 10km's of running.

The second course, entitled Tristar 55.5, is much shorter and targeted towards those looking for something a little less intense. It includes a 500m swim, a 500km cycle and a 5km run.

Tristar Cannes, organised by the New Dream Association, will be open at the Pantiero from 9am this Friday. However, the competitions will begin this Sunday on the Croisette at 8.30am (Tristar 111) and at 11am (Tristar 55.5). The swimming events will take place in the sea near Plage 1835. All events will finish on the Esplanade de la Pantiero.

For more information about this event, then visit http://star-events.cc/site/fr/trstcanews 

Trail des Balcons

Trail des Balcons is one of the biggest trail events in the Alpes Maritimes and the sixth edition will this year take place for three days. The trail departs from the Château de la Napoule beach in Mandelieu and participants will take on a series of eight different trials.

This event will be opened by the TBA association this Friday evening and the first challenge will include a 20km night hiking trial. On Saturday, a multitude of hiking activities will take place for different groups of people including 9km hiking courses solely for women and people with disabilities.

On Sunday, the final challenges will involve the ultimate trails – the 33km and 52km Trail des Balcons d'Azur. It is a great way of discovering the region's natural treasures! 

For more information, visit www.traildazur.com 

Weather forecast 

Saturday is looking fine and sunny with temperatures reaching up to 21 degrees across the Alpes Maritimes and the Var. On Sunday though, there are the risk of the thunderstorms ... not great news for those competing in the semi marathon. 

Katie Williams