London Duathlon 2011 partners with Macmillan Cancer Support

The London Duathlon is to partner with Macmillan Cancer Support for 2011. The link with a major national charity will not only bring a new audience to the event, it will also raise a substantial sum for a very worthy cause, say organisers, Mass Participation Events.





Held annually in Richmond Park since 2005, the world’s largest duathlon attracts over 3,000 participants. The 2011 event, which takes place on 11th September, will feature Challenge and Fun distances as well as the new Ultra distance race, which this year established a benchmark for those seeking to test their endurance.



With participants invited to compete individually or as part of a team, the London Duathlon 2011 is designed to offer the broadest appeal to all athletes, including many competing in their first multi-sport challenge and raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Support, under the banner Team Macmillan.



There are over two million people living with cancer in the UK. Macmillan Cancer Support improves the lives of people affected by cancer, providing practical, medical, emotional and financial support and pushing for better cancer care.



Team Macmillan is supported by Iwan Thomas MBE, former 400m European Champion, Commonwealth Champion, World Cup Winner and current British Record Holder. Said Iwan: “Taking part in the 2011 London Duathlon is a great way to support Macmillan Cancer Support. Run and cycle in stunning Richmond Park is a fantastic way to spend the weekend and will really make a difference to people living with cancer in the UK. Join today.”



Commenting on plans for 2011, Kevin Stewart of Mass Participation Events said: ”We are delighted to be working with Macmillan Cancer Support and the partnership is further evidence that duathlon has come of age.



“In previous years some athletes considered duathlon, as a run bike run combination, as an easy option when compared to its Olympic counterpart triathlon. But that changed following the World Duathlon Championships in Edinburgh, with Catriona Morrison again crowned World Champion, and the success of the Ultra distance at the London Duathlon, where talk on the finish line was of dedicated training through the year and making it their A race for the season.”



Kevin continued: “For those with serious intent, the goal must be to become the first Ultra athlete to go sub-4 hours and this will become a landmark, much like the 8 hour threshold in Ironman.”



The 2010 Ultra winner, David Vaughan, 30, from Herford has already pledged his intention to beat 4 hours in 2011. David, the World and European Duathlon champion in 2008, stepped up to the Ultra distance for the first time in 2010.



The London Duathlon takes place in Richmond Park on Sunday, 11th September 2011. Entries are now open at www.thelondonduathlon.co.uk.