A competitor meets a young fan in the Ironman race

Supporters in Lichfield and Burntwood have been thanked for turning out to support athletes taking on the 2017 Staffordshire Ironman race.

A competitor meets a young fan in the Ironman race
A competitor meets a young fan in the Ironman race. Pic: Godden Photography

More than 2,000 competitors braved soaring temperatures as they took on a 1.2mile swim at Chasewater before heading off on a 56 mile bike ride and 13.1 mile run.

Italian Giulio Molinari and Britain’s Lucy Gossage came out on top in a highly competitive field.

Race director Lisa Dent said: “It’s fantastic to see everything come together on race day after the many months of preparation.

“The spectator support from the local communities was once again exemplary and really helped the athletes reach the finish line.

“A special thanks to the volunteers who braved the heat to give the athletes a memorable race day.”

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.