Staffordshire misses out on ?2m economic boost as major triathlon …
Staffordshire is set to miss out on an economic boost reported to top £2 million after a major annual triathlon was axed.
The IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon has seen thousands of athletes and spectators flock to the county for the last eight years. Organisers – who run similar races across the UK and Ireland – estimate an extra £2.05 million is spent at Staffordshire’s shops, hotels and eateries during the weekend of the event.
However, they have now announced they will not be running it next year, citing factors including ‘current athlete trends’ and ‘where they are choosing to race’.
The 70.3-mile race has become known among motorists for resulting in road closures along the route, which took in several East Staffordshire villages, as well as routes through Rugeley, Cannock Chase and Stafford.
Just last month, thousands of competitors wook on the gruelling 70.3-mile race, which included a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride and 13.1-mile run ending in Stafford town centre.
A joint statement issued on behalf of IRONMAN UK, Staffordshire County Council and Stafford Borough Council reads: “The race has been an athlete favourite since its first edition eight years ago, and from the Knights of Stafford Castle to the unwavering spectator support in Stafford’s Market Square, we know that it has produced some truly special memories for our athletes.
“This decision was a difficult one to make and considers various factors such as our current athlete trends and where they are choosing to race in this mid-season period.”
Council ‘disappointed’ at IRONMAN’S decision
Victoria Wilson Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for communities and culture, said: “The Ironman Staffordshire 70.3 event has been a fantastic opportunity to showcase our county, both nationally and internationally, over the last eight years.
“Whilst we understand the Ironman Group has its reasons for cancelling the race, we are very disappointed that we will no longer host the event. There has always been a brilliant buzz around Staffordshire’s Ironman event, and we have loved the experience.
“I would particularly like to thank the many council staff who played an important role in the event organising, and the partners, volunteers, residents, and businesses who have been involved throughout the years.”
Aidan Godfrey, leader of Stafford Borough Council, said: “IRONMAN 70.3 Staffordshire has been an excellent event and one that we were proud to be a part of especially when we saw so many local athletes who had overcome personal challenges to compete, the enjoyment of the thousands of spectators, friends and family who lined the route, and the charities that have benefitted from money raised by competitors.”
Sam Brawn, IRONMAN regional director for the UK and Ireland, said: “We want to thank both Staffordshire County Council and Stafford Borough Council for their unwavering support over the last eight years and helping to make this journey a success.
“The race has been a fan favourite amongst thousands of athletes, and we’ve always received such epic support from the locals as well. As always, our focus will remain on delivering great race experiences around the UK and Ireland.”
NEWSLETTER: Sign up for email alerts to StaffordshireLive straight to your inbox here[2]
References
- ^ Armed cops swoop on student film project after villager sees someone ‘carrying a gun’ (www.staffordshire-live.co.uk)
- ^ Sign up for email alerts to StaffordshireLive straight to your inbox here (data.reachplc.com)