A major traffic management plan swings into action across Roundhay and the surrounding area this weekend, as Leeds hosts one of the biggest events in its 2026 sporting calendar.
The second IRONMAN Leeds triathlon takes place on Sunday 16 August, starting and finishing in Roundhay Park. As with last year’s inaugural event, a programme of temporary road closures will be in place to help the day pass off safely and smoothly, and residents, businesses and visitors are being encouraged to check the arrangements in advance.
The scale of the event, organised by the IRONMAN Group with support from Leeds City Council, means road closures will be in force for much of Sunday. Full details on timings, affected areas and vehicle crossing points are available on the IRONMAN website, alongside a live closures map.
Emergency service road access will be maintained throughout, and pedestrians will be able to cross the routes wherever and whenever it is safe to do so. Anyone with enquiries about road access, including carers who need to carry out home visits, is asked to contact the IRONMAN team at leedsroadaccess@ironman.com; other IRONMAN-related enquiries should go to leeds@ironman.com.
Around 60,000 information leaflets have been distributed to local properties, and more than 100 businesses have been sent direct emails about the event and how it might affect staff and customers.
A key player
Leeds is one of only two places in the UK hosting a full IRONMAN challenge this year, alongside Pembrokeshire. Last year’s Leeds event generated an estimated £7m for the local economy.
Councillor Salma Arif, deputy leader of Leeds City Council and executive member for economy, said: “Events like IRONMAN Leeds have helped establish our city as a key player on the national and international sporting stage, while also providing a welcome boost for the local economy.
“We recognise that the temporary road closures that are needed for the safe operation of an occasion on this scale will inevitably cause some disruption and we thank the public in advance for their patience and understanding. We would encourage people to make time, if they haven’t done so already, to check how the traffic and travel arrangements for Sunday could affect them.”
The bike stage’s circular route runs from Roundhay Park to Shadwell, then through or near Thorner, Bardsey, Wike, Harewood, Eccup, Arthington, Adel and Alwoodley. Roads affected include Carr Lane between Shadwell and Thorner (closed 6am to 3.30pm); Bramham Road and part of Thorner Road, east of Thorner (closed 6am to 3.30pm); the A61 Harrogate Road between the A659 at Harewood and Wigton Approach, near the Grammar School at Leeds (closed 7am to 5.30pm); Alwoodley Lane between its junctions with King Lane and the A61 Harrogate Road (closed eastbound 7.30am to 5.30pm); and Wigton Lane between its junctions with the A61 Harrogate Road and Wike Ridge Lane (closed eastbound 7.30am to 5.30pm).
The run follows a looped course around the western side of Roundhay Park and a number of residential streets in the wider Roundhay area, with athletes expected to start crossing the finish line, near the park’s cricket pavilion, at around 3pm. Roads in Roundhay closed for much of Sunday to facilitate the run and general event access include Gledhow Avenue (between Lidgett Lane and Jackson Avenue), Jackson Avenue, Gledhow Lane (eastbound between Thorn Lane and Old Park Road), Old Park Road, and the stretch of Street Lane between Devonshire Avenue and Princes Avenue. Park Avenue will be closed near the Lakeside Cafe from 6am on Saturday until 5pm on Monday 17 August.
Tropical World’s opening hours will change slightly on Sunday, to 10am until 4pm, with last entry at 3.30pm.
