[T]he Lakesman Triathlon has had yet another record-breaking year, bringing in an estimated £1.72m into the local economy – some 16% more than in 2017.
The event, which is now in its third year, took place on Sunday 17 June and saw around 800 people complete in the full or half-distance triathlon. The full length is a challenging 2.4mile swim in Derwent Water, a 112mile bike ride across West Cumbria and a full marathon around Keswick.
The Lakesman continues to be a hit with the competitors, with 90% of athletes who responded to the survey rating it ‘very good’ and 10% rating it ‘good’. No-one rated it ‘ok’ or gave it a negative rating. Nearly all the athletes asked would recommend the Lakesman to others and 96% would race again.
It is perhaps no surprise therefore that the event, despite only being in its third year, has already attracted a loyal following with 32% of athletes having competed before in previous years. The fact that 55% of athletes had heard of the event by ‘word of mouth’ proves how highly regarded it has become amongst athletes.
The vast majority of athletes, some 74%, came from outside Cumbria, proving how important the event is for boosting the local tourist industry. Some 80% stayed in the area for on average more than two nights and spending more than £340 per group. In addition, 42% of athletes had visited the area to train on average three times prior to the event spending around £225.
The local area also got an added boost from all the spectators, many of whom were the family members of the competitors. Some 23% of the spectators came from outside Cumbria and 53% from areas of Cumbria other than Allerdale. Nearly half said they intended to use the local restaurants and cafes, with many taking the opportunity to visit the local shops as well. Of those spectators asked who were staying overnight, the average spend was more than £73 per person.
In all it is estimated that for every pound invested into the event, more than £9 was generated for the local economy.
The Lakesman was made possible by a partnership between Lakesman Events Ltd, Allerdale Borough Council, CN Events and Better North, and we would like to thank our swim sponsor Jennings Brewery and Prize Sponsor Zone 3.
Bill Jefferson, Allerdale Borough Council’s Executive member with responsibility for tourism, said: “The Lakesman goes from strength to strength and I congratulate everyone who took part. It is an incredible event which Allerdale is really proud to support. But it is also great to see how much the event promotes our wonderful area including the lakeland fells and Solway Coast and gives the local economy a boost.”
Phil Whitehead, race director said: “We are once again thrilled with the success of the event, it’s incredible how much people love it, and we can’t wait to make it even better and bigger next year. We couldn’t do the event without the support from our partners, sponsors and most of all our 600 strong band of volunteers who were amazing!”
The feedback from athletes reflects the enthusiasm for the event with one competitor remarking on the “most friendly group of people, the whole day was amazing. My first long-distance race and I was truly petrified. But I loved it.” Another competitor praised the facilities for athletes, saying: “Best bit was how athlete-friendly this event was! Aid stations were amazing, organisation was excellent.” Yet another, when comparing the Lakesman to other triathlons said: “You blew them away”.
