In just over two weeks, Sunderland will be hosting the UK leg of the 2023 World Triathlon Championship Series, placing it alongside major international cities like Hamburg, Montreal, and Abu Dhabi.
The 2023 World Triathlon Championship Series commenced in Abu Dhabi, UAE, in early March and has since made stops in Yokohama, Japan, Cagliari, Italy, and Montreal, Canada. Its final stop before Sunderland will be in Hamburg, Germany this weekend. The series will culminate in the World Triathlon Championship Finals in Pontevedra, Spain, in September.
This marks the first time that Sunderland has been chosen as the host city for this prestigious global event. The championship attracts the fastest athletes from around the world, who come together in iconic cities to compete in standard and sprint distance races, vying for the title of World Champion.
The exhilarating UK leg of the championship will take place over two days on the 29th and 30th of July, with thousands of participants swimming, biking, and running against the stunning backdrop of Roker Beach and the seafront. As it falls within the qualifying window for the upcoming Paris Olympics, it presents a unique opportunity to witness the world’s elite athletes in action on the streets of Sunderland. The event will be broadcast live on the BBC and viewed worldwide.
The weekend also promises participation opportunities for all, including individuals venturing out on their first triathlon in the BIG Swim Bike Run and families taking part in the Swim Bike Run Mini sponsored by Stoneacre Toyota.
And, as with last year’s British Triathlon Super Series Grand Final in Sunderland, it will be supported by an army of volunteers, more than a third of whom are from the city, who have come forward to help make the event happen.
Councillor Graeme Miller, Leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “We’re incredibly excited about hosting the UK leg of the World Triathlon Championship Series in Sunderland for the very first time. It’s a tremendous coup for the city, which builds on the success of the British Triathlon Super Series Grand Final, the Tour of Britain and the Tour Series last summer.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our city with its stunning coastline and beautiful blue flag beaches to a national and international audience.
“It promises to be a brilliant day out for everyone who comes along over the weekend to watch the action-packed packed programme of racing, and we hope it will also inspire people who have never thought of doing a triathlon to try out some of the different elements for themselves through our Swim Bike Run participation programme.”
Andy Salmon, British Triathlon CEO, said: “We’re really excited to be delivering a home World Triathlon Championship Series race for British athletes in Sunderland for the first time alongside Sunderland City Council, UK Sport and World Triathlon.
“Roker seafront provides a great setting for athletes and spectators alike, and I’m really looking forward to the event weekend and to witnessing the activities and action in the city.
“Whether participating, volunteering or spectating, the weekend will see plenty of opportunities to get involved with swim, bike, run.”
To find out more about the event, including a spectator guide that will walk you through the key timings, locations and what to watch out for over the weekend visit: www.mysunderland.co.uk/swim-bike-run
