Latest news with #SwanseaIronman70.3
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Ironman competition hit by tragedy as athlete, 31, dies during swim portion
Scottish man Sam Buchan, 31, tragically died three days after getting into difficulty in the water while competing in the Ironman 70.3 Swansea triathlon on July 13 A 31-year-old athlete tragically died after getting into difficulty during an Ironman competition in Wales. The Ironman 70.3 was held in Swansea on Sunday, July 13. Three days later, it was announced an athlete had died in hospital after getting into difficulty nearly half-way through the swimming portion of the race. He has now been named by the coroner as Scottish man Sam Buchan. Ironman Wales said at the time of their announcement: "It is with a heavy heart that we confirm the passing of an athlete who competed in last weekend's Ironman 70.3 Swansea triathlon. Approximately half-way into the swim portion of the race, swim safety personnel noticed and responded to an athlete in difficulty." It added: "The athlete received immediate medical care while being taken via boat to a designated extraction point on the harbour, where further treatment was administered. The athlete was then transported to the hospital where they continued to receive treatment, but sadly passed today." Their post continued: "Our deepest condolences are with the family and friends of the athlete. We will continue to offer them our support and keep them in our thoughts as they go through this challenging time. "We are deeply grateful to the swim safety personnel and first responders who worked quickly to provide the athlete with medical assistance." Thousands of people take part in Swansea Ironman 70.3 every year. Competitors embark on a 1.2-mile (1.9km) swim at the Prince of Wales Dock, followed by a single-loop 56-mile (90km) bike ride. The cycling route takes athletes through Mumbles and along the coastal clifftops of Gower, before heading out into rural Swansea and then back along Swansea Bay into the city. They then return to Swansea, preparing for transition in the Maritime Quarter next to the River Tawe. Finally, participants tackle a 13.1-mile (21.1km) two-loop run course that leads them from the city centre, past Swansea Arena, towards Mumbles and then back to the finish line at the marina. Sam is the youngest Ironman competitor to have died in two year period that has seen four deaths, Wales Online reported. In 2023, 61-year-old grandfather Andrew Ireland drowned during the 750ft swim in the first section of the gruelling three-part race. That same year, two men died while taking part in an Ironman triathlon event in Co Cork, Ireland. Both men, one in his 60s and the other in his 60s, died in separate incidents during the swimming segment of the competition, held in Youghal.
North Wales Live
7 days ago
- Sport
- North Wales Live
Man who died after Ironman competition in Wales is named
A competitor who died after taking part in an Ironman event in Wales has been named. The man got into difficulty during the 70.3 event in Swansea on Sunday, July 13. He died three days later on July 16. Today the competitor was named by a coroner as Sam Buchan, 31, from Scotland. The Swansea Ironman 70.3 is a triathlon event made up of 1.2 miles of swimming, a 56-mile bike ride, and a 13.1 mile run course. Ironman Wales said staff noticed the athlete 'in difficulty" nearly half-way through the swimming part of the race, and went to help, reports WalesOnline. Mr Buchan was then taken to hospital but died three days later, on July 16. Ironman Wales said at the time of their announcement: "It is with a heavy heart that we confirm the passing of an athlete who competed in last weekend's Ironman 70.3 Swansea triathlon. "Approximately half-way into the swim portion of the race, swim safety personnel noticed and responded to an athlete in difficulty. The athlete received immediate medical care while being taken via boat to a designated extraction point on the harbour, where further treatment was administered. "The athlete was then transported to the hospital where they continued to receive treatment, but sadly passed today." Their post continued: "Our deepest condolences are with the family and friends of the athlete. "We will continue to offer them our support and keep them in our thoughts as they go through this challenging time. We are deeply grateful to the swim safety personnel and first responders who worked quickly to provide the athlete with medical assistance.' The 31-year-old is youngest Ironman competitor to have died in a two-year period that has seen four deaths. It follows the death of grandfather Andrew Ireland, 61, from Bridgend, in 2023 when he drowned during the 750feet swim in the first section of the gruelling three-part race. And in 2023, two men died while taking part in an Ironman triathlon event in Co Cork, Ireland. The men, one aged in his 40s and the other in his 60s, died in separate incidents during the swimming segment of the triathlon held in Youghal. The men were pulled from the water by emergency services before being pronounced dead by medical personnel.
Irish Daily Mirror
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Athlete dies after 'getting into difficulty' during Ironman race
An athlete has tragically passed away following their participation in the Swansea Ironman 70.3. The event, which took place on Sunday, saw the athlete "in difficulty" during the swim section of the race. Medical teams responded promptly when the athlete was spotted struggling in the water; however, despite being rushed to hospital, the individual sadly lost their life on Wednesday. In a statement, even organisers said: "It is with a heavy heart that we confirm the passing of an athlete who competed in last weekend's IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea triathlon. "Approximately half-way into the swim portion of the race, swim safety personnel noticed and responded to an athlete in difficulty. "The athlete received immediate medical care while being taken via boat to a designated extraction point on the harbour, where further treatment was administered. "The athlete was then transported to the hospital where they continued to receive treatment, but sadly passed today." "Our deepest condolences are with the family and friends of the athlete. "We will continue to offer them our support and keep them in our thoughts as they go through this challenging time. "We are deeply grateful to the swim safety personnel and first responders who worked quickly to provide the athlete with medical assistance." The demanding triathlon sees thousands yearly tackle a daunting 1.2-mile (1.9km) swim in Prince of Wales Dock before undertaking a 56-mile (90km) single-loop cycle ride, reports Wales Online. The cycling course guides competitors through Mumbles and along the coastal cliffs of Gower, before venturing into rural Swansea and then back along Swansea Bay into the city. They then make their way back to Swansea, readying for transition in the Maritime Quarter adjacent to the River Tawe. Lastly, participants face a 13.1-mile (21.1km) two-loop run course that takes them from the city centre, past Swansea Arena, towards Mumbles and then back to the finish line at the marina.
Wales Online
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
'I used to weigh 23 stone. Now I'm an Ironman'
'I used to weigh 23 stone. Now I'm an Ironman' Owen 'Pedz' Peddle couldn't do a lot at all barely a year ago. He's just completed the Swansea Ironman 70.3 Owen Peddle, who was 23 stone less than a year ago and couldn't do a lot of exercise, has just finished the Swansea Ironman triathlon (Image: Owen Peddle/Instagram ) A man who was 23 stone and couldn't swim a length of a swimming pool a year ago has just completed the Swansea Ironman triathlon. 24-year-old Owen 'Pedz' Peddle has gained a huge following on social media during his journey to reach Sunday's gruelling event while many have told him they've been inspired to 'get off the sofa' because of him. Owen was roared on by a huge crowd beside Swansea beach as he crossed the finish line having completed the 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike ride and 13.1 mile run in the searing heat on Sunday. Owen, known affectionately as Pedz by his 31,000 followers on Instagram, said he couldn't stick at the gym barely a year ago and so decided to target something which he 'couldn't do'. 'To sign up for an Ironman when you can't swim a length is pretty extreme,' the DJ reflected. 'I just wanted to lose some weight to be honest.' Content cannot be displayed without consent The rugby fan from Newport has lost around 30 kilos in the process and would have lost a lot more if he didn't need to take on plenty of food to get him through 10-hour training weeks. Article continues below Remembering his life before last September when he was persuaded by his mates to give the event a go, Owen said: 'I was struggling in the gym really. I was struggling to keep the weight off. I'd stop the gym and then put it back on. 'I thought I'd sign up for something which back then I couldn't do. If I signed up for a half marathon or a 10k, theoretically I could just walk those. So I was like: 'Let's do something I can't do.' 'So when I first started I couldn't swim a length at all. I could barely sit on the bike. It wasn't even like I could run.' Owen Peddle finished the Swansea Ironman 70.3 on Sunday despite not being able to swim a length a year ago (Image: Owen Peddle/Instagram ) After he really got into training Owen enlisted the help of a nutritionist. 'I did it all quite slowly. I got used to the training first,' he recalled. 'I didn't want to change my training, my food, my sleep and everything in my life all at once. That is so restrictive and I'd have lost it. So I wanted to just start bit by bit. 'I had to take on plenty of carbs to do the nine to ten hours of training, so I lost the weight slower than I might have, but I'm happy with where I'm at now. 'I didn't do this to lose loads of weight and be skinny. I just wanted to do something I couldn't do. If I lost the weight along the way then great.' Content cannot be displayed without consent Owen said the training has helped him mentally too. 'You just start to learn a bit more resilience in everything you do. It's a nice starting place for my mental health. "I really think it has helped to just clear my mind - to spend time off my phone and spend nine or ten hours a week just training." On Sunday, Owen finished the course in eight hours and 32 minutes. He thanked his followers and said he's been blown away by those who have supported him and got him through much of his training. Article continues below 'So many people have supported me on this journey," he added. "There have been times where I wanted to stop but I couldn't do that knowing I'd have let everyone down on Instagram and TikTok. It's kept me in line a bit as well. 'I can't believe how far I've come really. The other day I was having a haircut and I couldn't look at my phone and I just sat there for like 30 minutes looking in the mirror and smiling to myself. "The last nine months of my life have been mental, actually mental. Dragging myself from where I started to where I am now has been a hell of a journey and I couldn't be prouder of where I am right now."
Wales Online
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Full list of road closures as two massive events take place on hot weekend in Gower
Full list of road closures as two massive events take place on hot weekend in Gower The Love Trails Festival and and the Swansea Ironman 70.3 will be held simultaneously this weekend - here is everything you need to know Over two thousand people are expected to take part in the Swansea Ironman 2025 (Image: Richard Swingler Photography ) Two major events are set to take place simultaneously in Gower this weekend, and with several road closures in place to accommodate the events, motorists can expect some significant disruption with their travel. Adding to the woes, the Met Office is predicting high temperatures, meaning Gower's beaches could be extra popular destinations, making it even more important for travellers to plan their journeys carefully. Ironman 70.3 Swansea, which 2,500 athletes are set to take part in, will be held on Sunday, July 13, with check-in, registration and other formalities being completed on July 11, and July 12. The Love Trails festival on the other hand is taking place from Thursday, July 10, to Sunday, July 13. It takes place in Weobley Castle in Llanrhidian, Gower , but also covers several nearby beaches, coastal paths, and offers activities like running, walking, rock climbing, surfing, swimming, coasteering, yoga and more. Article continues below The Love Trails festival promises to combine outdoor adventure, trail running, movement, and music festivals into a "single transformational experience" (Image: Anna Rachel Photography/Love Trails Festival ) At the same time temperatures are forecast to hit a high of 28C on Sunday. Never miss a Swansea story by signing up to our newsletter here This is not the first time the two events have been held simultaneously over a weekend. To ensure the event runs smoothly this year, the following traffic measures will be implemented: Ironman 70.3 Swansea, Sunday, July 13 The route for Ironman 70.3 Swansea Following their dip in the Prince of Wales Dock, the competitors will dash over the Sail Bridge to transition. The cycling leg will kick off from East Burrows Road car park, heading onto Somerset Place and westward on Oystermouth Road (A4067). Pedestrians will have access to one side of the Sail Bridge on the morning of the race. The cyclists will then continue along the bay through Mumbles, circling parts of Gower before returning to East Burrows car park via Oystermouth Road. The two-lap running course departs from East Burrows car park and utilises Swansea Cycle path / the Prom down to Lilliput Lane / TA Centre. On their return, they'll use the bike path before joining Oystermouth Road through Sketty Lane Car Park to Museum Park after their second lap. The cycle path from Lilliput Lane to Swansea will be closed, but pedestrian access will be maintained throughout. Car Park Closures 6am – 5pm: Sketty Lane Foreshore Car Park, St Helen's Foreshore Car Park. East Burrows Car Park: Closed Wednesday, July 10, 8am – Monday, July 15 at 6pm. City Centre and Oystermouth Road Somerset Place will be closed to cars on Saturday, July 12, between 7am and 6pm, and Sunday, July 13, between 4am and 6pm. Burrows Place and Adelaide Street will be closed to cars 4am – 8pm. The southside of Oystermouth Road (westbound) will be closed 6am – 5pm. Cars will be able to travel eastbound on Oystermouth Road as normal throughout the day. There are two mananged vehicle crossing points on Oystermouth Road. Motorists are urged to use the designated vehicle crossing locations to make your crossing as quick as possible. There will be a managed crossing system for access into the Maritime Quarter using Glamorgan Street, Oystermouth Road and across the road closure into Dunvant Place. For exit out of the Maritime Quarter, please use the crossing point past the Civic Centre and turn right onto Oystermouth Road. There may be delays at these crossings at busy times. Pedestrian access to Swansea Beach, Blackpill Lido, the Skate Park, Swansea Footgolf, The Secret Bar and Kitchen will be maintained as normal. The run course will be busy 11am – 4pm and people are urged to bear this in mind when accessing the beach and the surrounding area. Kings Road Between the Sail Bridge and Y Fforwm Building Car Park will be closed 4am – 10am. Mumbles: 6am – 10am Mumbles Road will be closed southbound only up to Village Lane, 6am – 10am. Cars will be able to travel northbound from Village Lane (towards Swansea) for the duration of the closure. Access Advice: There will be a one-way diversion for residents needing access. Residents will be able to travel west on the B4436, left onto Murton Green Road, then east on Mansfield Road, Murton Lane and Newton Road. The Ironman competition attracts thousands annually (Image: Richard Swingler Photography ) Newton (B4593), Bishopston: 6.30am – 10.30am The course will then follow Plunch Lane and Higher Lane before turning left onto Southward Lane B4593 / Caswell Road through Newton, passing Caswell Bay beach. Following Caswell Road North, turning left onto Pyle Road / Bishopston Road and left onto Pennard Road B4436. The named roads will be fully closed 6.30am – 10.30am. Kittle, Murton: 6.30am – 12.30pm, 12.30pm – 1.45pm The course continues west along the B4436 to the junction of Vennaway Lane. This section of the course has various closures due to bikes using these roads outbound and inbound. The B4436 from Murton Green to the Vennaway Lane junction will be fully closed from 6.30am – 12.30pm. It will be open westbound (towards Pennard) from 12.30pm and fully open for traffic in both directions by 1.45pm. Vennaway Lane: 6.30am – 1.30pm As per above, the route uses Vennaway Lane in both directions during the event. Vennaway Lane will be fully closed 6.30am – 12.30pm, and then open for northbound traffic turning left and right on South Gower Road from 12.30pm. The road will be fully open by 1.30pm Pennard, Southgate: 7.15am – 10.45am The course follows Pennard Road through Kittle and Pennard before making a u-turn in Southgate outside the Three Cliffs Cafe. The bikes then travel back through Pennard and take a left onto Vennaway Lane. Accesss Advice: Exit from Southgate/Pennard towards Kittle permitted until 7.15am and access from Kittle to Southgate/Pennard is permitted after 10.45am. Exit towards Upper Killay permitted after 12.15pm. Parkmill, Penmaen, Nicholaston, Reynoldston, Cilibion: 7am – 12.30pm, 7am – 1pm The course follows the A4118 through Parkmill, Penmaen, Nicholaston. The A4118 will be closed up to the Reynoldston junction 7am – 12.30pm. The course then travels north towards Reynoldston before turning east to Cilibion which will be fully closed 7am – 1pm. Llanrhidian, Penuel, Three Crosses: 7.30am – 11.30am, 7am – 12pm From Cilibion the course travels to Llanrhidian which is closed 7.30am – 11.30am. The route then travels east through Penuel and onto Three Crosses, before heading southbound on Tirmynydd Road – this section of the course will be fully closed from 7.30am – 12pm. Upper Killay, Langrove, Lunnon, Ilston, Llethryd: 7.30am – 1pm, 7am – 1.30pm The bike course consists of one larger outer loop and a smaller second inner loop which travels through Llethryd on the B4271 which will be closed 7.30am – 1pm. South Gower Road A4118 from the Upper Killay junction to Vennaway Lane will be closed southbound 7am – 1.30pm. Access Advice – Northbound crossing point available for traffic travelling north on South Gower Road towards Upper Killay as shown on the attached map. Clyne Common, West Cross: 8.30am – 1.45pm The athletes will finish the bike course by following the B4436 (Clyne Common) eastbound before turning right onto Fairwood Road through West Cross. The bikes will continue down the hill on Fairwood Road and turn left onto the A4067 to return into Swansea City Centre. Clyne Common from Fairwood Road to Murton Green will be closed eastbound from 8.30am – 1.45pm. Fairwood Road will be closed eastbound from 8.30am – 1.45pm. Access Advice – Residential access will be available northbound (up the hill) on Fairwood Road throughout the day, along with a crossing point at the Fairwood Road / Mayals Road junction for cars travelling north towards Kittle. Additional information Pedestrians will be able to cross the course at any time whenever it is safe to do so. Motorists are advised to avoid parking on the bike course due to safety reasons. Access for emergency services will be maintained at all times. Essential access for carers will be facilitated. They are urged to contact swansea70.3@ before July 9 to reduce delays. before July 9 to reduce delays. Parking restrictions will be in place on the bike and run courses, with vehicle towing in operation. Love Trails Festival Thursday, July 10, to Monday, July 14 To decrease congestion during the festival's busiest arrival times, a one way system will be operating between Leason and Llandimore, while public and school buses will continue to run in both directions as normal. People will be able to take part in adventure activities at the festival (Image: Anna Rachel Photography/Love Trails Festival ) Ingress (arrival): Thursday, July 10, 12pm to Friday, July 11, 11:30pm Westbound traffic only will be permitted from Leason to Llandimore. A signed diversion route for eastbound vehicles from Llanmadoc to Oldwalls will guide drivers southbound on Kyfts Lane, then eastbound via Burry Green. Residents travelling west from Oldwalls to Llanmadoc are advised to utilise this route in reverse to avoid congestion near the festival site. Egress (departure): Monday, July 14, 8am–12pm Traffic will be directed eastbound only from Llandimore to Leason. Westbound traffic from Oldwalls to Llanmadoc will adhere to the same diversion in reverse. Temporary Speed Limits & Road Crossing For the safety of all, temporary speed limits will be enforced between Leason and Llandimore, and in the vicinity of Stembridge Farm. Trained marshals will oversee the road crossing between the festival site and the campsite. These measures will be in effect from 12:00 on Thursday, July 10, to 12:00 on Monday, July 14. Article continues below Additional Safety Measures. To ensure smooth traffic flow and minimise disruption, the festival will implement clear signage and deploy traffic marshals throughout the area. The one-way system is designed to prevent bottlenecks on the narrow stretch between Weobley Castle and Llandimore.
