Rainow's Seonaid Murray will write her name into the history books when she locks horns with the cream of the continent in Eurostar’s pioneering Tri-City-Athlon this week.

Murray, aged 25, is one of 150 athletes from the UK, France and Belgium who will swim, cycle and run in three cities in one day to celebrate Eurostar’s partnership with the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games – the first event of its kind.

The former Tytherington High School pupil will travel Eurostar’s unique route around Europe to complete a 1.5km swim in the Bassin de la Villette in Paris, followed by a 40km ride on the roads around Brussels’ King Baudouin I Stadium and finishing with a 10km run in London’s Regents Park.

After being handpicked for the record-breaking challenge as one of just 20 UK competition winners, Murray, who was selected by a panel of judges that included double Olympic gold medallist James Cracknell, admits she’s counting down the days until the start.

"I first heard about it by chance and I thought it looked really good so I entered the competition and now I can’t wait to take part in it," said Murray, who is researching pancreatic cancer as part of her PhD course at the University of Liverpool.

"It’s going to be brilliant to be competing in Paris and Brussels and London in one day, it is something really unique and I can’t wait.

"I think I can do well because my running is quite strong and I compete quite a lot in athletics and I have done some longer distances and some 10k races.

"I also swim quite a lot as well so the triathlon is quite a natural choice for me, it is just the cycling I have had to do some work on."

Murray, a member of Macclesfield Harriers, needed to be capable of completing the swim in 45 minutes, the bike ride in 1hr 40 min and the run in 1he 10min to take her place on the start line in the French capital.

But with the chance to use the unique event to create awareness of her chosen cause, Murray insists raising funds will take priority over results in the three cities.

"I’m doing research into pancreatic cancer because it is a disease which doesn’t get much coverage and I am trying to raise money for Cancer Research UK as well," added Murray, who is helping Eurostar unite Europe in celebration of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

"Cancer is something which will affect everybody at some time in their lives so if I can do something to help the fight against it then I will.

"It is going to be a great opportunity to try and get the word out about pancreatic cancer and raise awareness of it, while also taking part in an incredible event."

Eurostar is the Official International Rail Services Provider to the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. Find out more about the world’s first ever Tri-City-Athlon or book tickets to travel on Eurostar at www.eurostartricityathlon.com