Staffordshire in the West Midlands of England is set to come alive this weekend as over 2,500 athletes from around the world will be taking part in the inaugural IRONMAN 70.3 Staffordshire.
IRONKIDS kicks off the weekend’s racing from 09.30 to midday BST on Saturday 13 June at Shugborough, which will see over 400 kids aged 3-14 take part in this fun run around the historic estate.
Then on Sunday 14 June, over 2,500 athletes who managed to secure a place for this eagerly anticipated race in a record 14 minutes, will be taking the plunge at Chasewater’s spectacular swim setting from 07:00 for the 1.2 mile swim. From here the athletes will embark on a 56 mile bike ride, taking in the beautiful Cannock Chase before heading into Shugborough for the final 13.1 mile, 3 lap run course in an around the estate.
Key spectator hotspots have been set up for supporters to get close to the action and cheer on athletes of all ages, abilities and profile embarking on this endurance sporting event. Not only will the crowds have the opportunity to see the reigning IRONMAN 70.3 World Champion Javier Gomez of Spain in action, but also some key UK pro triathletes including reigning IRONMAN 70.3 UK Champion Will Clarke as well as multiple IRONMAN winner Lucy Gossage.
While the pro field will be looking for qualifying points towards their pro rankings, as well as a US$25,000 prize fund, all of the athletes will be completing the same course and hoping to cross the finish line within the 8.5 hour time limit.
Former England footballer and Leeds United defender Danny Mills is one of the high profile names joining Gordon and Tana Ramsay’s GR100 team, and TV presenter Charlie Webster will be using 70.3 Staffordshire as her warm up race to competing in IRONMAN UK next month.
Gordon Ramsay himself will be going head-to-head this coming weekend with the triathlon industry’s Dean Jackson, founder of wetsuit specialist Huub.
A range of athletes are entered in the age group field, from first timers (58%) to seasoned triathletes. From the youngest (18) to the oldest (72), the event organising team note that ‘there are some hugely inspirational entries who have defied all odds to make the start line and numerous athletes who have turned their life around in the process.’
Kevin Stewart, Managing Director IRONMAN UK and Ireland said “After months of planning and preparation for staging this long-awaited event in Staffordshire, we are really looking forward to welcoming spectators and athletes alike for what we hope will be a fantastic weekend of IRONMAN racing.”
He added, “We would encourage as many residents as possible to come and cheer all the athletes along – the crowds make such a huge contribution to the atmosphere of the event.”
www.ironman.com/staffordshire70.3
www.ironkids.co.uk
