Registration for the Wightlink Wight Challenge has opened.
COMPETITORS for one of the Isle of Wight’s toughest sporting challenges can sign up from today (Wednesday).
The Wightlink Wight Challenge, which is in its tenth year, challenges teams of three to cycle 19 miles, canoe two miles and run eight miles in aid of Wessex Heartbeat, Sail 4 Cancer or the Rainbow Centre in Fareham, which supports children with cerebral palsy and adults who have had a stroke.
Since the event started in 2004 it has raised more than £160,000 and organisers hope to break the £200,000 mark this year.
Last year, when 195 people took part, a record £32,188 was raised — compared to £671 raised by 42 competitors in 2004.
As well as support from title sponsors Wightlink, organisers said they had backing from Bestival and the Footprint Trust, who have provided re-usable water bottles and goodie bags.
Calbourne Classics will cater for competitors, who at one stage will cycle past the cows that help produce the ice cream they will enjoy at the end of the day.
The Isle of Wight Canoe Club will run the canoeing stage and SERFCA has granted permission for the use of Jersey Camp.
Isle of Wight AONB and Our Land — which organises holidays on protected sites — will help to promote the event, which runs through their land.
Lizette van Niekerk from Sail 4 Cancer said: "Competitors in this challenge are not only fantastic athletes but also have very warm hearts.
"The money raised last year enabled us to send 20 youngsters with cancer on sailing weekends around the Solent and the Isle of Wight.
"The youngsters loved the opportunity to experience something adventurous after months in and out of hospital.
"Please support the challenge again this year, you will make such a difference to families who are going through a very difficult time."
There are two opportunities to take part, on May 25 and September 21. Registration forms can be downloaded from the website www.wightchallenge.co.uk.
Entry is £45 and each person is requested to raise £100 for their chosen charity.