It’s a big weekend for Swansea sports fans as thousands of spectators will enjoy two top class events.So how can people watching the World Triathlon Para Series Swansea and IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea get the most of the event? And what can those not attending do to make it a good weekend? The free-entry events are being organised by British Triathlon and IRONMAN – and Swansea Council is supporting them
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 hopefully inspire even more people to compete in sport – competitive or recreational and to enjoy our fabulous local area and facilities.”
So what’s going on this weekend? This weekend (note July 15 & 16) brings the 2023 World Triathlon Para Series Swansea (Saturday) and IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea (Sunday). The first staging of the events came last summer, along with the Para Sport Festival. The 2023 edition of the latter has been running all week across Swansea. On Saturday, as well as world class racing, there’ll be live entertainment, food and drink and an SA1 Waterfront event village to keep the family entertained, with entry to the event being free. You’ll find a big screen with live event footage, leaderboards and expert commentary. There’ll be accessible seating, music, face painting and other attractions. There’ll be things to do and see from around 8am to 6.45pm. 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.
Who’s taking part this weekend? Competitors will be coming from around the world. Some of the competitors being world-class, many entrants being from Wales. There’ll also be than 400 volunteers aiming to help Swansea’s big sports weekend race across the finish line.
How can I watch? Thousands of visitors will descend on the city – and thousands of local people get out to support the athletes. 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 IRONMAN cycling, parts of Gower. Sunday’s spectator hotspots will include Blackpill’s Woodman pub, Oxwich’s Beach House Restaurant, Southgate’s Three Cliffs Coffee Shop, Reynoldston’s King Arthur Hotel, The Eastern Farm Shop at Oldwalls, Sherperds and the Gower Heritage Centre at Parkmill, The Secret Beach Bar and Kitchen at St Helen’s, and Blackpill Lido.
What will it mean for the roads and those living on the routes? It’ll mean temporary road closures, traffic diversions and parking restrictions from this Friday (note: July 14) morning 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. Details: www.swansea.gov.uk/carparks
Where can I find out more info? Swansea Council is a partner in the weekend’s events which are being organised by British Triathlon and 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: