A colony of fundraisers is hoping not to get in a flap as it tackles two 110-mile bike rides and a half marathon dressed as penguins.

The group has already taken on 10k races in Keighley, York and Leeds, plus bigger challenges such as Daventry Triathlon and the Ironman 70.3 Mallorca, in support of Yorkshire Cancer Research.

For its latest event, Penguathlon 2013, the 22-strong team, which includes members from Wilsden, Ilkley, Shipley, Bingley, Burley-in-Wharfedale and Queensbury, will cycle from Headingley Rugby Ground to Newcastle, complete the Great North Run, then bike to Bar T’at in Ilkley.

Leeds Rhinos’ stars Jamie Peacock and Ian Kirke will start the fundraiser on Saturday.

The hardy 22 will dress as penguins and wear custom- designed and made cycle kit by Spirit Cycling of Ilkley, complete with beaks and flippers.

Mark Summerson, 40, of Burley-in-Wharfedale said: “The following day, the much more cumbersome seven foot tall furry penguin suits will be broken out and worn whilst completing the Great North Run, before getting the bike gear on again for the return journey, this time finishing at Bar T’at in Ilkley.

“So far, as part of fundraising and profile raising activity we’ve had penguins in a huge range of events whilst sporting their penguin gear, as well as more traditional fundraising events such as race night and penguin car wash.

“We’ve secured sponsorship from businesses across the country and the support from local businesses has been fantastic. Eco-Link couriers of Leeds donated a car for the event which will be an official support vehicle for the three days along with a van supplied by JD Cycles of Ilkley.”

The group has Penguin Jerseys signed by Alistair and Jonny Brownlee, the Leeds Rhinos squad and cycling legend Chris Boardman, which will be auctioned.

For more details go to penguathlon.com.

On the weekend of the event the website will have a live GPS feed of the penguins’ location and if any cyclists wish to join up for a few miles, they are welcome.