Posted on Sunday 9th June 2019
Hundreds of spectators came out in force to cheer on competitors in the fifth IRONMAN 70.3 Staffordshire.
The wet weather held off as communities across Staffordshire came out to offer their support along the route, which saw more than 2400 people complete a 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike ride and 13.1 mile run through stunning Staffordshire countryside.
The sold-out race started at a sun-drenched Chasewater, where professional athletes and local people plunged into the water at 7am on the start of their IRONMAN journey.
From there, they took in a bike ride across Staffordshire before a challenging half marathon saw them storming around Stafford Castle and finishing in a packed town centre.
Professional athletes George Goodwin and Lucy Charles-Barclay were first across the line, with more than 2400 local, national and international competitors taking on the gruelling challenge.
County Councillor Mark Winnington, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth was on hand to hand out medals to finishers. He said:
“So many communities have come out to support the athletes along the entire route. In the town centre, everyone has been getting into the spirit of the event and giving competitors that much needed boost as they reach the finish line, and it’s been great to see so many families supporting their loved ones.
“I also want to say thanks to the many local volunteers who have given up their time to make sure the race has run smoothly.”
IRONMAN, Staffordshire County Council and the Borough Council have worked together to bring the event into the heart of Stafford.
Leader of Stafford Borough Council Patrick Farrington said: I was very proud to see so many local competitors coming across the line having tackled this sapping test of mental and physical endurance. What a fantastic couple of days—with thousands of people in the heart of the town to cheer on all those taking part, and to enjoy another great sporting event in the county town of Stafford."