Love Island star Adam Collard to complete his 3rd IRONMAN this year at Swansea

Adam’s entry into IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea comes off the back of successful races at IRONMAN 70.3 Staffordshire and IRONMAN UK. 

The Love Island star says he is fundraising for charity Marie Curie to say thank you to them for caring for his grandmother in the final months of her life.

Adam said: “From 17 years old, I’ve always been into fitness and training, I wasn’t happy with how I looked, and I wanted to change that.

“I started out focusing on bodybuilding, and then moved into cross fit and functional training in my early twenties. Whilst I physically looked shredded, I couldn’t run a mile. Now I want to break the stereotype and show that gym goers who look a certain way can also take on endurance challenges such as IRONMAN triathlons.

“But most of all, I want to do it for something bigger than me, and that’s to raise funds for Marie Curie’s hospices who took exceptional care of my grandmother when she was in the final few months of her life.

“This one is for me, to inspire others to set the bar higher and challenge yourself to do more, and this one is for anyone out there thats lost a loved one.”

On Sunday 16 July, almost 2,000 athletes will line up at the Prince of Wales Dock ready to race in the 2nd edition of IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea. Athletes start off by taking a 1.2mile (1.9km) loop of the swim, before heading into a one-loop 56mile (90km) bike ride through Mumbles, along roads that hug the Gower’s coastal clifftops before cycling out through rural Swansea and heading back along Swansea Bay into the city.

Lastly, athletes will take on a 13.1mile (21.1km), two loop run course which takes them from the city centre, out past the new eye-catching Swansea Arena, towards Mumbles before heading back towards the finish line at Swansea Marina.

Swansea will be welcoming athletes from all over the globe, with a strong percentage of Welsh athletes taking on their home race.

IRONMAN UK Race Director Rebecca Sutherland said: “We’re really excited to be back in Swansea for the second edition of IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea. The local support last year from residents, spectators and volunteers was amazing, so with a new bike course and a sold-out race we’re hoping 2023 is even better.”

She continued: “We can’t wait to welcome you back and see you racing alongside our professional athletes! Gweld chi cyn bo hir.”

Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea Council cabinet member for investment, regeneration, events and tourism, said: “Last summer’s inaugural IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea was a huge success, with the global spotlight falling on our city. 

“It’s good to see athletes gearing up for another great Swansea sporting occasion when we’ll once again be able to offer a warm welcome to the thousands of athletes and supporters.”

(Lead image: Adam Collard)