Volunteers sought for Staffordshire Iron Man event

Organisers of the annual event are looking people people to help out on Sunday, June 10, with marshalling the bike and run courses, assisting in transition and at the start of the race at the swim.

Volunteers will be joining a team of more than 500 staff, including stewards, medical staff and technical officials.

They will have the chance to gain experience of working behind the scenes of a world-renowned event, helping 2500 athletes achieve their goal of reaching the finish line.

Anyone interested in becoming a part of the team can sign up at www.ironman.com/staffordshire70.3.

There will be a donation to groups of 10+ volunteers, and anyone interested should email staffordshire70.3@ironmanvolunteers.com for more information.

The triathlon consists of a 1.2 mile swim in Chasewater, a 56 mile bike course, and will conclude with a 13.1 mile run finishing in Stafford Town Centre.

Last year, the competition also raised more than £500,000 for charity.

Staffordshire County Councillor Mark Winnington, cabinet member for economic growth said: “Volunteers really are part of the fabric of IRONMAN, with hundreds of people giving up their time freely to help out, whether it’s handing out water to athletes, helping them out over the finish line, or making sure the race goes smoothly.

Mike Smith, cabinet member for leisure at Stafford Borough Council said: “This is a great opportunity for people to be involved in a global sporting occasion.

"Our volunteers are a vital ingredient in the success of this event so I’d urge people who are interested to sign up now and become a part of this success.”

Dan James, race director at IRONMAN, added: “We are looking forward to welcoming our volunteers in Stafford town centre this year which will be packed full of spectators as part of the new course.”