Staffordshire Ironman: Thousands set to tough it out over 70 miles

Ironman 70.3 will see the world's toughest triathletes cross the finish line at the historic Shugborough estate – and the county is bracing itself for a series of road closures and diversions.

• The race starts at 7am on Sunday
• The last person is expected to finish at 5pm
• Competitors will swim 1.2 miles, ride 56 miles and run 13.1 miles

Once again, the event will see competitors complete a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride and 13.1-mile half marathon, starting at Chasewater, passing through Cannock Chase before culminating at Shugborough, near Stafford.

Last year an estimated £1.4 million was spent on food and accommodation by competitors and a further £1m by spectators during the weekend. Hundreds of thousands of pounds was also raised for charity.

Kevin Stewart, managing director Ironman UK and Ireland, said: "Ironman 70.3 Staffordshire was a tremendous success last year, and local people really got into the spirit of cheering on the athletes as they passed by their towns and villages.

"We have dedicated spectator hotspots where people can sit back, relax, grab something to eat and soak up the atmosphere."

To give people the best views of the event, key spectator hotspots have been set up across the county.

The three main hotspots for spectators are Chasewater County Park in Burntwood for the swimming course, Wolesley Bridge, near Rugeley, for the bike course amd Shughborough for the final run and finish.

For those who can handle the early rise the swimming starts at Chasewater from 7am. The site will be locked down to traffic so car parks on the site will be unavailable. People are being urged to park at Shugborough and catch the bus to Chasewater.

Wolseley Bridge has been announced this year as a new spectator hotspot for the cycling leg.

To celebrate, the Wolseley Tea Hut is inviting spectators to join them for a vintage tea party at the Wolseley Bridge Craft Complex. There will be free parking and a BBQ at the Wolseley Garden Centre.

The second transition, run course and finish line will be at the Shugborough Estate.

Other locations to watch the action on the cycling and running sections that don't have organised facilities in place include The Red Lion in Little Haywood, which is putting on live music, a rooftop DJ and a BBQ.

Visit www.staffordshire.gov.uk/ironman for up-to-the-minute information.

Get involved on Twitter by using the hashtag #IM703STAFFS

Last year celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay and his wife Tana, world champion Javier Gomez and competitor Lucy Gossage lined up with more than 2,000 competitors for the inaugural event.

But this year Ramsay will not be competing after rupturing his Achilles tendon.

However, he took to Facebook to tell fans that he would still be attending to cheer on the competitors.

He said on Facebook: "I will absolutely be there, cheering you on in Staffordshire!"

Mark Winnington, Staffordshire County Council's cabinet member for the economy, added: "

The event is great news for the economy, for local businesses and for charity and I do hope communities will come along and cheer on the competitors."

More details about the event itself can be found on the Ironman website at eu.ironman.com.