So how can people watching IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea get the most out of the event?
And what can those not attending do to make it a good weekend?
The event – with free entry for spectators – is being organised by IRONMAN. Swansea Council and the Welsh Government are among those supporting it.
Council cabinet member Robert Francis-Davies said: “It’s going to be a great sporting weekend for the city.
“There’s a huge appetite for quality events in this part of the world. Entrants and their supporters will be thrilled by the local support, our fabulous natural beauty and Swansea’s brilliant hospitality sector.
“These events, along with all the others that the city hosts each year, will inspire even more people to compete in sport – competitive or recreational – and to enjoy our fabulous local area and facilities.
“We thank all local residents and businesses that may have to change their regular routines for this big Sunday.”
On June 22 the city’s seafront hosted the third World Triathlon Para Series Swansea, with world class paratriathletes competing over a swim-bike-run course.
Robert Francis-Davies, council cabinet member for investment, regeneration, events and tourism, said: “Swansea’s spectacular location and natural beauty make the area a fantastic stage for major events.
“It’s a significant reason why sports and music promoters keep coming back year after year, giving the people of Swansea a brilliant range of experiences.
“This year we once again welcome quality events such as IRONMAN 70.3, the Wales Airshow which has just taken place, outdoor theatre and a series of Singleton Park concerts by top class musicians.”
So what’s going on this weekend?
This Sunday (note July 14) brings the third IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea. The first staging of the event came in summer 2022.
On Sunday, athletes and spectators will enjoy a fantastic route full of scenic beauty including SA1’s historic dockside, Mumbles, Gower and Swansea Bay’s sweeping waterfront.
IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea entrants will take on a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike course then a 13.1-mile run. Racing starts at 7am.
The run course has been named the third best in the event’s world calendar – and the best across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Thousands of visitors will descend on the city – and thousands of local people get out to support the athletes.
The event is held with the support of the council and the Welsh Government.
It’s estimated that the IRONMAN event brings around 20,000 spectators to Swansea. Together with the World Triathlon Para Series it’s estimated to be worth more than £2m to the local economy.
Who’s taking part this weekend?
Competitors will be coming from around the world. Some of the entrants are world-class, many come from Wales.
There’ll also be scores of volunteers aiming to help Swansea’s big Sunday race across the finish line.
How can I watch?
The event attracts thousands of supporters and local spectators who enjoy a free day of world class sport.
Great places to watch will include Prince of Wales Dock in SA1 Waterfront, the seafront road between the Maritime Quarter and Mumbles, and for the cycling, parts of Gower.
Sunday’s spectator hotspots will include Blackpill’s Woodman pub, Southgate’s Three Cliffs Coffee Shop, Sherperds and the Gower Heritage Centre at Parkmill, The Secret Beach Bar and Kitchen at St Helen’s, and Blackpill Lido.
Spectators can start enjoying the build-up to the event from tomorrow (note: Friday, July 12) when the IRONMAN EXPO and official merchandise store will be open from 11am-5pm in front of the National Waterfront Museum. It’ll be open from 9am-5pm on Saturday and Sunday.
One busy part of Sunday will be the transition area where athletes collect and drop off their cycles during the race. This will be in the East Burrows car park, near the Tawe sailbridge.
What will it mean for the roads and those living on the routes?
There’ll be temporary road closures, traffic diversions and parking restrictions on Sunday around the city’s seafront area and in parts of Gower. This will help the organisers keep athletes, supporters and other members of the public safe.
For pedestrians there’ll be designated crossing points on the cycle routes. Run courses will be signposted and marshalled. Essential access for carers will be facilitated. There are no restrictions at any time for the emergency services.
Event organisers have worked with local organisations, groups and businesses to ensure that disruption is as limited as possible. They thank residents for their understanding and will do all they can to help.
The council’s city centre car parks remain open – www.swansea.gov.uk/carparks
Where can I find out more info?
Swansea Council is a partner in the weekend’s event which is being organised by IRONMAN. There’s lots of info available – including course maps, spectator info, road closures, FAQs and visitor information – on the council’s events website and on the sites promoted by event organisers: www.visitswanseabay.com/ironman-70-3-swansea/
