Five local charities have been invited by Traverse City Tourism to participate in the Ironman Charity Challenge, which will be held in Frankfort on September 12.

Teams will not only participate in the race, but raise money for the following causes: Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital, Friends of the Betsie Valley Trail, Munson Manor Hospitality House, Frankfort Lighthouse, and Single MOMM. The charities had the option to have one athlete compete in the entire triathlon, or to have different athletes compete in each different leg of running, swimming, or cycling. The triathlon consists of a total of 70.3 miles and includes 13.1 miles of running, 56 miles of cycling, and 1.2 miles of swimming.

Paul Oliver will work as a team with Adrienne Stephen Jones in the running segment, Michelle Russell on the cycle, and Dr. Nancy Smith doing the swimming event. Munson Manor Hospitality House will also have a team of three with Justin Mortier, Jason Crum and Dan Spalla competing. The other charities will have one person compete in the entire triathlon. Frederik Stig-Nelsen will compete for the Friends of the Betsie Valley Trail. Ross Hammersley is the triathlete for the Frankfort Lighthouse, while Patrick McIntyre competes for Single MOMM.

"These groups provide a vital service to the fabric of our community," says Traverse City Tourism President Trevor Tkach. "We hope this athletic competition will not only give them an opportunity to tell people their story, but will challenge the community to financially support them."

More information on online donations and the competing teams in the Ironman Charity Challenge is available here.