The Ellen MacArthur Trust has been named official charity of the West Wight Triathlon 2009.

The event, taking place on September 20, will see hundreds of people swim 600m at West Wight Sports Centre followed by a 35k cycle along the Military Road before finishing with a 7.5k run alongside the River Yar.

Trust spokesman Frank Fletcher said: “We are really pleased to be the official charity of the West Wight Triathlon this year.

“We have already started training as we will be entering a team ourselves, and hope many other entrants will choose to support the Trust whilst participating in this fun, yet challenging, race.”

The charity was up by Dame Ellen MacArthur, pictured left, to help youngsters overcoming serious illnesses enjoy sailing.