A "business house" category has been added to this year's Mitre 10 Marton Triathlon, giving local businesses the chance to battle others in the corporate challenge.

Sport Whanganui's Mitre 10 Marton Triathlon is back to test Rangitīkei's fittest athletes.

The Mitre 10 Marton Triathlon was introduced by the region's sporting body to engage Rangitīkei children and get them active.

The event was a first-time success last year and was here to stay, Sport Whanganui organiser Marie Kinloch said.

Last year's race attracted 137 participants and the organisation was expecting a similar turnout to the March 11 race, that takes off from Rangtīkei College.

READ MORE: Sport Whanganui to continue with newly introduced Marton events

Competitors enter in either short, medium or long courses.

A "business house" category has also been added, giving local businesses the chance to battle others in the corporate challenge.

"It is a great chance to get colleagues together and challenge other businesses and friends outside of the normal team building activities," Kinloch said.

Businesses enter a team of three and participate in the medium course, a 200 metre swim, 12 kilometre bike ride and 4km run.

A trophy will be given to the winning team, Kinloch said.

She hoped the additional category would grow participation and create some excitment for the event.

"Last year was a great day and we hope to see plenty of local people enjoying themselves again at the second [event]."

To enter a team visit the Sport Whanganui website. It will cost $10.

Funds raised last year were donated to community organisations, including marton Rotary youth programmes.