Triathletes Jonathan (left) and Alistair Brownlee will compete this weekend. Picture: Anna Gowthorpe/PA Wire

David Hasselhoff will be swapping the beach and his red shorts for London and a wetsuit as he takes part in the Virgin Active London Triathlon this weekend.

And Olympic gold and bronze medallists Alistair and Jonny Brownlee will also be competing.

Baywatch star Hasslehoff will be among a group of people joining Sir Richard Branson on the celebrity team at the event, which takes place today and tomorrow.

Other well-known faces taking part will be Louis Spence, Chelsee Healey, Jeff Brazier, Kay Burley, Oliver Phelps, Nicola McLean and Michelle Heaton.

Thousands will descend on Custom House for the Virgin Active London Triathlon.

Spectators are expected to rival the 55,000 who watched participants run, swim and cycle the route last year.

Beneficiaries include Cancer Research UK, WellChild, Mencap, and Age UK.

The route comprises a length in the Royal Victoria Dock, while people can opt for a 80km bike ride starting inside the ExCeL and taking in Billingsgate and Westminster.

Runs include four 10km gruelling laps of the dockside. Turnout is expected to be boosted by the success of Olympic gold and bronze medallists Alistair and Jonny Brownlee.

Celebrity triathletes last year included The X Factor star Stacey Solomon, and seasoned marathon runner and ex-model Nell McAndrew.

Ritchie Nicholls won the men’s elite event in a time of one hour 45 minutes and nine seconds.

The women’s elite event was won by Jodie Stimpson in just under one hour, 57 minutes.