Families and organisations were praised for taking the third edition of the spectacular IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea to their hearts.
It attracted thousands of athletes and spectators, significantly boosted the local economy and inspired people to take part in and enjoy sport according to Swansea Council.
Scores of volunteers supported the event organised by IRONMAN, with key supporters including Swansea Council and Welsh Government.
Council cabinet member Robert Francis-Davies said: “It was a great sporting day for the city.
“Entrants and their supporters were thrilled by the local support, our fabulous natural beauty and Swansea’s brilliant hospitality sector.
“The event, along with all the others that the city hosts each year, will inspire even more people to compete in sport – competitive or recreational – and to enjoy our fabulous local area and facilities.
“We thank all local residents and businesses that changed their regular routines for this big Sunday.”
IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea race director Rebecca Sutherland said: “It’s always special when we go racing in Wales, and today had some of the biggest and best crowds we’ve ever seen here in Swansea.
“The support around the course was amazing and well deserved for all the incredible athletes out there. We can’t wait to return next year.”
On his IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea win, Harry Palmer said: “It feels absolutely incredible! So much work has been put into this. It means everything to be honest.”
Speaking after her IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea win, Nikki Bartlett said: “Wales and home races are like nothing else! Thanks so much to all you guys, you make this what it is. I want to thank everyone out on the run course, it made it feel like the run was downhill! The crowds on the course gave me goosebumps for the whole run. It’s taken me 9 pro years to get my first IRONMAN 70.3 win, never give up!”
(Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images for Ironman)
The event – with free entry for spectators – followed a weekend when Swansea Bay greeted tens of thousands of people who enjoyed two days of the annual Wales Airshow.
Many businesses, especially those offering accommodation and hospitality, were busy over the IRONMAN 70.3 weekend.
Athletes enjoyed a fantastic route full of scenic beauty including SA1’s historic dockside, Mumbles, Gower and the bay’s sweeping waterfront.
Competitors came from around the world. Some are world-class. They took on a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike course then a 13.1-mile run.
Top Three Male Professional Results
| Place | Name | Country | Swim | Bike | Run | Total Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Harry Palmer | Great Britain | 23:46 | 02:11:14 | 01:12:08 | 03:52:54 |
| 2 | Gabriel Sandör | Sweden | 23:50 | 02:12:41 | 01:13:37 | 03:55:36 |
| 3 | Andrew Horsfall-Turner | Great Britain | 22:36 | 02:12:40 | 01:15:47 | 03:56:13 |
Top Three Female Professional Results
| Place | Name | Country | Swim | Bike | Run | Total time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nikki Bartlett | Great Britain | 27:19 | 02:27:02 | 01:20:00 | 04:21:05 |
| 2 | Megan McDonald | Great Britain | 25:39 | 02:30:06 | 01:22:59 | 04:25:03 |
| 3 | Lizzie Rayner | Great Britain | 25:41 | 02:28:54 | 01:27:40 | 04:28:21 |
IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea will return on Sunday 13th July 2025, with entries going on sale in the near future.
(Lead image: Ironman)
