Posted on Wednesday 7th July 2021
Residents and businesses are being reminded of temporary traffic restrictions being put in place for the IRONMAN 70.3 Staffordshire with less than a fortnight to go until the event.
It will see 1,000 athletes from across the UK and internationally take part in the triathlon, which has a route spanning four district areas on Sunday July 18. People are being advised to check the route and timings if they’re planning on travelling on the day.
Some one-way road closures will be in place and people can find out details, including specific timings, on the IRONMAN 70.3 Staffordshire website at www.ironman.com/im703-staffordshire
This will be the first large event taking place in Staffordshire since the pandemic began, so spectators are encouraged to support it safely and in line with current guidelines.
Athletes begin with a one lap swim of Chasewater near Burntwood, before getting on their bikes for the 56-mile cycle route through Staffordshire countryside. It will take in the villages of Nethertown, Yoxall, Hanbury, Marchington and Abbot’s Bromley, then over Blithfield Reservoir and into Rugeley town centre. Riders will then follow the A513 through Milford before heading to Stafford along Tixall Road.
The half-marathon distance two-and-a-half loop run route starts at Riverway, Stafford, and follows the River Sow path to the town centre and then on to Stafford Castle along the A518 Newport Road. It finishes in the Market Square.
Staffordshire County Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for economy and skills Philip White said:
It’s great to see the IRONMAN event back in Staffordshire after its absence last year. We expect to see around 1,000 athletes take part, bringing in families and friends from across the UK and beyond.
While this year’s event is being held with restrictions still in place, people will be able to come out to spectate safely and support local businesses. IRONMAN helps to showcase Staffordshire’s countryside, towns and villages.
We’re reminding people to check the route and planned closures for on the day which will be lifted as the event progresses.”