With still over a month to go until the 2009 West Wight Triathlon, the number of entries has already reached record numbers.

The triathlon, which is in it’s seventh year takes place on Sunday 20th September and involves a 600m swim in the West Wight sports centre in Freshwater, a 35km bike ride along the spectacular Military Road, finishing with a 7.5km run alongside the River Yar.  Entries can be made by individuals or by teams of two or three.

The official charity for the West Wight Triathlon 2009 is the Ellen MacArthur Trust. Set up by Dame Ellen MacArthur in 2003 the Trust takes young people aged between 8-18 sailing to help them regain their confidence, on their way to recovery from cancer, leukaemia and other serious illness.

In 2008 the event saw 200 competitors from across the United Kingdom make the journey to the Island to participate, over 50 of whom had never competed in a triathlon before. This year the organisers anticipate up to 300 entrants including a number of international competitors, proving once again the popularity of the Island’s only triathlon.

Frank Fletcher, Chief Executive of the Trust is delighted to have the support of a homegrown success story;

“The Trust is thrilled to be the official charity of the West Wight triathlon. It’s a great competition but more importantly a great day out, and we’ll be there on the day to cheer on all those who are kindly raising money on our behalf.”   

As event organiser Clare Griffin from West Wight Sports Centre is delighted but not surprised by the large number of entries;

“The ethos of the West Wight triathlon is all about having fun which makes it a great event for novices and those doing their first event. There is a very friendly atmosphere and of course the scenery is breath-taking, all of which has combined to make it a really popular event. This year promises to be the biggest yet and I know that everyone who makes the journey to the Island to compete won’t be disappointed.”

To register for the West Wight triathlon 2009 please go to www.westwight.co.uk/triathlon