After two years Ironman 70.3 Staffordshire will finish for the last time at Shugborough estate next year, as the event’s finishing line will be moving to a new home in 2018. However those wanting to race against the stunning backdrop of Shugborough there is still time to book your place.
In 2016 it is expected more than 2,000 competitors will complete a 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike and 13.1 mile half marathon, starting at Chasewater, passing through Cannock Chase before culminating at the historic estate.
“Staffordshire as a county provides a spectacular backdrop for the event and nowhere more so than the Shugborough Estate, said Mark Winnington of Staffordshire County Council.
“While Ironman will be continuing in the county, this will be the last chance for people to sign up to cross the finishing line at Shugborough on June 18."
Staffordshire County Council have been custodians of the estate for the last 50 years, but on November 1 2016 returned the management of the estate to the National Trust.
As the Trust wishes to focus on conservation of the estate and parklands, this is the last year Shugborough will be incorporated in the event and organisers are now looking for a new run venue.
Kevin Stewart, Managing Director of Ironman UK said “We have appreciated the opportunity to launch a new event with Shugborough Estate as a backdrop and we know athletes have enjoyed this quintessentially English setting. The National Trust has its criteria in managing the sustainability of the Estate and we look forward to establishing a new home for the event in Staffordshire.”