MORE than 500 volunteers aim to help Swansea’s first IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon event become one of the best in the brand’s glittering global calendar.
The event, with over 2,000 registered athletes and thousands of fans and supporters, is due in Swansea and Gower on Sunday, August 7 – boosting the local economy and bringing international attention to the region.
The IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea triathlon event – a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride and 13.1-mile run – will also bring a financial boost to local organisations whose members volunteer in groups.
The organisers have tasked Swansea triathlete Paul Evans with managing the event’s volunteer operation. With roles such as athlete registration clerks, feed station operators, and route marshals, Paul is delighted that so many people have already signed up to support the event next month.
The Cockett-based father-of-two said: “I’m so pleased that individuals and groups are getting involved – and that most of them are from the local area.
“Swansea is getting a top-quality event of international significance and the local community is getting excited about it.”
Among the groups on the volunteer schedule are local air cadets. Groups, like them, that supply more than 10 volunteers are given a financial donation by IRONMAN. Others volunteering include sports clubs and a range of local charities as well as a raft of individual volunteers.
Council cabinet member Robert Francis-Davies said: “The organisers of IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea are impressed at the number of volunteers already signed up. It shows that there’s a huge appetite for quality events in this part of the world.
“With the Volvo 2022 World Triathlon Para Series Swansea planned for August 6, it’s going to be a great sporting weekend for the city.”
Rebecca Sutherland, race director for IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea, said: “Our events wouldn’t be possible without the support we receive from our local volunteers, and it’s fantastic to see the community get involved so eagerly for our first Swansea event.”
