MORE than 30 teams have already signed up to take part in the second of this year’s two Wightlink Wight Challenge events and organisers are urging those thinking of taking part to get their entries in fast or risk losing out.
Registration is open for the 11th multi-disciplinary Isle of Wight event, which challenges teams of three to run, canoe and cycle, and will again be based at Jersey Camp, Porchfield, on Saturday, September 23.
The event, which will coincide with the Isle of Wight Cycling Festival, is in aid of Wessex Heartbeat at Southampton General Hospital, Sail 4 Cancer and The Rainbow Centre.
Competitors are challenged to cycle 19 miles, canoe two miles and run eight miles.
The May Wight Challenge raised more than £11,000, with more expected to come in from the bigger September event.
Since 2004, when the event was established, around £140,000 has been raised for local causes.
For many competitors, one of the highlights of the challenge is using the 17ft open Canadian canoes on Newtown Creek.
Several companies have already supported the event by sponsoring the canoes, the latest being Island estate agents, Marvins.
Another canoe sponsor, The Delphie Lakeman Memorial Trust, also sponsored a day afloat for the Saturday Club for Deaf Children, with 16 children taking part on the River Yar.
Would-be competitors can dowload a registration form on www.wightchallenge.co.uk
Wightlink has offered free return travel to the Island for all mainland entrants.
Reporter: jonm@iwcpmail.co.uk