IRONMAN has announced that Macmillan Cancer Support has been retained as the official charity partner of IRONMAN 70.3 Weymouth 2017, which takes place on Sunday 17 September. The partnership will see Macmillan as the exclusive charity for the event for a period of one year, with a view to raising at least £140,000 for the worthy cause.
As a new addition to the 2016 UK calendar, next year’s IRONMAN 70.3 Weymouth is anticipated to build on its inaugural success. In 2016, the 70.3 event attracted over 2,800 entries in its first year, making it the largest IRONMAN branded event to be staged in the UK.
Over 300 competitors were inspired by the opportunity to race in the heart of Weymouth and surrounding beauty of the Dorset countryside whilst fundraising for Team Macmillan in 2016 and the charity is hoping to build on that next year too, with even more athletes expected to be taking part with the charity.
The target sum of £140,000 could pay for a Macmillan nurse for almost three years, helping people living with cancer and their families receive essential medical, practical and emotional support.
Starting with a 1.2 mile swim in Weymouth Bay, against the backdrop of the Jurassic Coastline, athletes then embark on a 56 mile loop bike course on fully closed roads, which combines some challenging hills and long descents through the Dorset countryside and quintessential English villages before heading back into the seaside town of Weymouth.
From here, the final 13.1 mile half marathon incorporates a spectator friendly multi lap run around the town, harbour and historic seafront enabling the onlooking crowds and Team Macmillan supporters to cheer and spur the competitors all the way to the finish line.
Kevin Stewart, Managing Director of IRONMAN UK & Ireland said “It is fantastic to be developing our relationship with Macmillan. We have seen a great response from athletes both wanting to take part in 70.3 Weymouth and support the charity. We very much hope competitors will continue to pledge their support and take part in this ‘must do’ event on the South Coast.”
Lizzie Quill, Triathlon Manager for Macmillan commented “We are absolutely delighted to be the official charity of IRONMAN 70.3 Weymouth for the second year running. It really is a great opportunity for both experienced triathletes and first timers to get involved and experience this iconic event whilst raising vital funds to support the charity.
“We had an incredible response and presence at this year’s event, raising significant funds that make a huge difference to those people affected by cancer and look forward to building on this in 2017.”
www.ironman.com/weymouth70.3
www.macmillan.org.uk/weymouth
