AJ Bell 2023 World Triathlon Championship Series Sunderland - Frequently Asked Questions

These FAQs will be updated and added to on a frequent basis but if you have any specific questions please contact Active@sunderland.gov.uk. We will aim to respond within three working days.

AJ Bell 2023 World Triathlon Championship Series Sunderland - Frequently Asked Questions

About the event

1.What is the AJ Bell 2023 World Triathlon Championship Series Sunderland?

The series is the highest level of annual, international triathlon competition, with the event itself taking place within the qualification window for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and providing a home race for elite British Athletes as they seek to qualify for the Games.

The weekend promises to deliver plenty of free, fun family activities to get involved with as well as swim, bike, run participation opportunities.

2. What is involved in the event and where can I find more information about the timings for the weekend ?

For further information on what the event entails visit AJ Bell World Triathlon Championship Series Sunderland - MySunderland

3. When is the AJ Bell 2023 World Triathlon Championship Series Sunderland?

 The event will take place Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 July 2023

4 Which Great Britain and International athletes are taking part ?

Start lists for the event will be released in the weeks building up to the event, however you can expect elite athletes from around the world to be competing this summer in the individual and mixed relay formats.

5. What is the location and where will the races take place ?

The event will take place on Marine Walk, Marina and along the Seafront.  For maps detailing the various events please visit https://sunderland.triathlon.org/event_information/the_routes/

6. Can I take part?

Yes.  Take part in the event weekend by dipping your toe into the world of swim, bike, run. Whether taking part as a family or stepping up to a personal challenge, we have everything you need to take on your first try at triathlon. Visit The BIG Swim Bike Run - MySunderland

7. Where can I find out more about taking part in swim, bike, run activities in Sunderland?

Sunderland has a wider activity programme based around swim, bike, run. There is a whole host of opportunities to get involved in. For more information visit BIG Swim, Bike, Run - MySunderland

Spectating and Grandstand tickets

1.Where is the best place to spectate?

The start and finish line will be located on Marine Walk, Roker, SR6 0PL, however you can spectate anywhere along the route. A graphic of the route can be found at https://sunderland.triathlon.org/event_information/the_routes/.

You can view the spectator guide here.

The event Fan Zone at Cliffe Park will provide spectators with a live feed of the action on a big screen, as well as a wide range of activities, food and drink concessions, and exhibitors to visit. The route runs straight past the Fan Zone too.

2. Do I need to pay to spectate?

No, the event is free.

3. Will there be any seating available for spectators?

Grandstand tickets are available to buy from the event website https://sunderland.triathlon.org/ for both Saturday and Sunday afternoons for the elite races. The event Fan Zone at Cliffe Park will provide spectators with a live feed of the action on a big screen and a space to sit and enjoy the event, as well as a wide range of activities, food and drink concessions, and exhibitors to visit. The route runs straight past the Fan Zone too.

4. Will there be any big screens 

There will be a big screen in the event Fan Zone at Cliffe Park to watch the action. There will also be big screens at Roker Beach at the main finish area in front of the public grandstands.

5 . Will the event be broadcast on TV ?

Yes the event will be live on BBC 1 on Saturday afternoon and on BBC 2 on Sunday afternoon. To find out more, view the spectator guide here.

General Information

1.     Will there be a fanzone ?

Yes, the fanzone will be located at Cliffe Park and will include, the Active Sunderland Family Festival, a Big Screen, catering outlets and other have a go activities. You will also be able to watch part of the elite events from this location as the cycle part of the race route runs past the footprint of the fanzone.

See the spectator guide here for more details.

2.     Will there be toilets, disabled toilets and baby changing facilities available at the event?

Yes. Toilets and baby changing facilities will be available on site. The primary location for this will be at the Fan Zone at Cliffe Park and Marine Walk.

3.     Will there be food and drink available at the event?

Yes. Businesses along the Seafront will be open during the weekend and there will be a wide range of activities, food and drink concessions, and exhibitors to visit at the Fan Zone in Cliffe Park.

View the spectator guide here for more details.

4.     Can I bring my dog to the event?

Yes, however all dogs must be kept on the lead. Dogs will not be permitted access to the public grandstands.

5.     Can I bring my mobility scooter to the event?

Yes, however the paths around the main start / finish at Roker Beach are narrow and likely to be lined with spectators, so it may be more challenging than normal to access Roker Seafront. The event will have crowd management stewards to support public movement if required.

6.     Is the event buggy friendly?

Yes

Road Closure and Parking Information

1.     Which roads will be closed during the event and is there a map to show this ?

For more detail on road closures including roads closed and timings here. (PDF) [178KB] .

2.     Can my vehicle remain on public highway in the affected streets?

Due to the nature of the event and for the safety of all athletes, all roads used for the cycling and running elements must be kept clear of all traffic (including parked vehicles). We therefore kindly ask residents to remove their vehicles from the public highway in any affected streets. Regretfully, we may need to remove vehicles parked anywhere along the event route. A cost associated with removal of any vehicle may be recovered from the vehicle owners.

3.     How can I get to the event and if I must drive where can I park?

There are a range of options available, please look out for the way finding signs.    Please note there will not be a park & ride for this event.   Due to the event Marine Walk and Harbour View car parks and the disabled bays on Marine Walk will be closed for the duration of the event.

Public Transport- Visitors can get to the event using bus or metro services. Please visit https://www.nexus.org.uk/bus/timetables for the latest information.

Park & Walk - a range of city centre car parks are available as well as free parking at Seaburn Camp  

Cycling- Secure cycle parking will be available at Cliffe Park.

Seafront Parking - Limited Seafront Parking is available at Dykelands Road on a first come, first served basis, however parking fees apply to these areas

Blue Badge parking- There is limited Blue Badge parking on the Seafront including Whitburn Road opposite Queens Parade and Dykelands Road Car Park. These operate on a first come, first served basis.

See the spectator guide here for more details on visitor parking.

Rail Strike - Saturday 29 July - The RMT Union have announced three days of strike action to affect several train operating companies during July, including Saturday 29 July.

Further information regarding industrial action can be found here

4.     Can I park in a residential street ?

We would ask all visitors to park responsibly and not park within residential areas. Regretfully, we may need to remove vehicles parked anywhere along the event route. A cost associated with removal of any vehicle may be recovered from the vehicle owners.