IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea has been held for the past two summers and is due back this summer, featuring a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile cycle and 13.1-mile run.

It will return in July with its run course having been named the third best in the event’s world calendar – and the best across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

The run sees athletes go twice on a loop from the Maritime Quarter and through the Marina along the prom and back along the prom and parts of the seafront main road.

Come rain or shine, runners enjoy it due to factors such as its flat route and its stunning views across the broad sweep of Swansea Bay.

The event is held with the support of Swansea Council and the Welsh Government. It attracts thousands of competitors, supporters and local spectators who enjoy a free day of world class sport.

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.

Robert Francis Davies, Swansea Council’s council cabinet member for investment, regeneration, events and tourism, said: “This is great news for Swansea and its IRONMAN 70.3 event.”

IRONMAN UK and Ireland project manager Rebecca Sutherland said: “The Swansea scores for our annual athlete’s choice awards were amazing and have been warmly welcomed in the IROMAN community.”

IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea, on Sunday, July 14 this year, will follow the city’s third staging of the 2024 World Triathlon Para Series on Saturday 22 in the SA1 Waterfront area.

(Lead image: Huw Fairclough for IRONMAN))