An Ironman competition could boost the local economy by £2.7million.
The 70-mile challenge will begin on Sunday (June 14) with a swim at Chasewater, followed by a 56-mile bike ride through parts of Lichfield and a 13 mile run finishing at Shugborough.
Two thousand competitors are set to take on the challenge, including TV presenter Jonathan Ross, chef Gordon Ramsay and Ironman world champion Javier Gomez.
Cllr Mark Winnington, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet member for the economy, said the value of the event should not be underestimated.
“The event is great news for the economy, for local businesses and for charity and I do hope communities will come along and cheer on the competitors,” he said.
“There will be spectator hotspots where people can watch the action, have picnics and listen and watch local music and dance acts as they watch the competitors go by – so it really is very much a community affair.
“The event it set to deliver an estimated £2.7million boost to the economy and we look forward to giving a warm welcome to competitors and their friends and family and really showcasing everything that is great about Staffordshire.”
Spectator zones are being organised on each stage for people to catch the action:
- Chasewater: Swimmers start between 7am and 8.30am (no parking available on site).
- Cannock Chase: Spectator are at Visitors Centre on Brindley Heath Road from 8.30am to 1.30pm.
- Shugborough Estate: Spectators can watch competitors cross the finish line.
There will also be opportunities along the course to see the athletes:
- Great Haywood: Athletes will run down Main Road from Trent Lane to Meadow Lane between 9.30am and 5pm.
- Kings Bromley, Yoxall and Newborough: Athletes expected to pass through between 8am and 11am.
The full route can be viewed on the Staffordshire County Council website.