The 2016 Ironman 70.3 Event

Last year we helped man the feed station at Needwood on the cycle part of the event and raised £1500 for local charities.  We want to improve on this at this year’s event.

The Ironman event consists of a 1.2km swim at Chasewater, a 56 km cycle ride through Staffordshire for the competitors to finish with a half marathon at Shugborough.  There are about 2500 competitors from international level to the not so rarefied so it is a major professional event. 

There are a number of feed stations on the course where water, isotonic drinks, bananas and energy bars are available for the competitors (plus loos and bins for empty drink bottles).  One of these is at Needwood near Fiveways where last year we, with others, set up and manned the station.  With the number of competitors it can get very busy when the rush comes.

All the equipment is provided but we need to set this up and fill the bottles etc. for when the competitors arrive.  These we then make available to the competitors as they continue on their way (and keep filling the bottles).  The first competitors arrived at about 08 30 but then the rush comes!  We need about 25 helpers to keep on top of rush.  Tee Shirts and Hi-Vis jackets are provided for the helpers.

The arrangement is that for each Rotary supported helper (and there are about 180 Rotary helpers at the event) a contribution is made that the Rotary Clubs can nominate local charities to receive.  Last year this came to about £100 per helper, so not a bad rate of return!

Please contact Peter Rainey if you can help