It’s not long until we once again welcome the return of the IRONMAN 70.3 Staffordshire taking place on 12 June. And while places sold out in record time again this year there are still places available for the junior competition.
A much more forgiving event, this race is open to children aged three to 14 and takes place at the Shugborough estate. Running between 500m to 2.5km depending on the age group, it’s a terrific way to encourage kids to stay fit and will really involve them in the wider event. Families can find out more about taking part in the event athttp://eu.ironman.com/triathlon/events/emea/ironman-70.3/staffordshire.aspx.
It’s great to be able to attract such unique sports events like IRONMAN to Staffordshire and I wish everyone, including colleagues from Cabinet and our Senior Leadership Team who are taking part the best of luck. Again, like last year, please remember that for the main event some roads will be temporarily closed to keep competitors safe during the race with diversions in place. You can see the roads affected and get advice on planning your journey at www.staffordshire.gov.uk/ironman.
Saturday (23 April) was also declared a national day of celebration in recognition of the country’s greatest playwright and poet, William Shakespeare, who died 400 years ago. The Bard had a monumental influence on the English language and our libraries played tribute to this over the weekend with a series of events and postings on social media. You might have seen some of our customers and staff who took selfies with their favourite Shakespeare quote and shared them with the hashtag #shakespeare16. It was a fun and fitting way of celebrating the greatest contributor to The Queen’s English. and I was happy to be involved. “Once more into the breach!”
And a final reminder about our first ever Staffordshire Day now less than a week away. Next Sunday, 1 May we’ll be celebrating one thousand years of Staffordshire and all things great about our historic county. With over 40 events running across the county and lots of great offers from our tourism businesses it’s sure to be a memorable weekend. You can see what events are happening near you at www.enjoystaffordshire.com/staffsday. There’s also a chance to win one of four spectacular Staffordshire Short Breaks each for a family of four. Prizes include overnight stays, family Thrill Hopper pass, theme park & attraction tickets plus meals at some of the best eateries in the county. Remember, if you are joining in the celebrations please tweet a photo of what you’re doing using #Staffordshireday.