Athletes taking part in this year’s Ironman Weymouth will have the opportunity to help children battling cancer.

The people behind Ironman Weymouth have announced a new charity partnership.

Children with Cancer UK will be a partner of the Weymouth event, along with other Ironman events in Staffordshire, Dún Laoghaire, Cork, Wales and the Rock ‘n’ Roll Liverpool Marathon.

Athletes racing on behalf of Children with Cancer UK will have access to an enhanced benefits package including a priority registration and bag check-in area at a dedicated Children with Cancer UK stand, priority Bike Check-in and the opportunity to have a member of their family or friend award them their medal at the finish line.

Peter Gallagher, director of global partnerships for Ironman Europe, Middle East and Africa, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be working alongside Children with Cancer UK in 2019.

“We know many athletes who compete in IRONMAN events are racing for very worthy causes, and we hope this partnership will encourage more competitors to raise money for Cancer with Children UK.”

Children with Cancer UK is a national children’s charity dedicated to research into cancer of children, teenagers and young people. Every day, 12 families in the UK get the devastating news that their child has cancer – over 4,500 children and young people are diagnosed with cancer every year in the UK. The organisation is currently funding more than 60 specialist research projects at leading centres around the UK, including research that helps to drive up survival rates in even the hardest-to-treat cancers.

Emily Roff, senior sports and community fundraising manager from Children with Cancer UK, said: “Children with Cancer UK is delighted to be partnering with IRONMAN.

“With the help of brave fundraisers taking on one of the world’s toughest challenges, we can help more children with cancer ring their end of treatment bell. We can’t wait to see you all out on the course.”

Ironman Weymouth returns on Sunday, September 22.