Stafford FM presenter takes on Ironman challenge

Craig Baxter will be participating in this weekend's Staffordshire Ironman.

Stafford FM presenter takes on Ironman challenge.

Craig Baxter is set to face one of the biggest challenges of his life this weekend as he takes on the gruelling Ironman.

The 52 year-old ex-Stafford Harrier, has been mentally preparing himself for the dual event by clocking up hours of intense training since signing up to take part last summer.

Craig commented:

"I have completed one before, but this time it's different. Now I'm in my 50's, I wanted to give it a go and push myself to the limit. It's going to be physically demanding but I feel in great shape."

The race starts early Sunday morning when competitors will start with a 1.2 mile swim around Chasewater, followed by a 56 mile bike course around the Staffordshire countryside and a two and half loop 13.1 mile run with a course that will take athletes along the River Sow, into the town centre and towards Stafford Castle.

Stafford FM's Craig Baxter is no stranger to completing the Ironman, having also raced in 2016, 2017 and 2018. 

Craig continued:

"I was really fit last time I completed Ironman and I was a member of the Stafford Harriers and Stafford Tri Club - but following the Covid pandemic, my fitness deteriorated. 

I was starting to feel my age, but the Staffs 70.3 training has given me my spark back for fitness and I am absolutely loving it. I am buzzing again."

Alongside his presenting duties at Stafford FM, Craig has recently ramped up his training for Ironman and is quite excited to tackle the gruesome course once more.

He added:

"Personally, I cannot wait to finish on that Ironman carpet on Sunday. It is such an inspirational event and experience that brings to many good things to Stafford."

You can follow Craig's progress throughout the morning as we broadcast a special Ironman Show this Sunday from 8am.

The race this year will finish in Tipping Street and you can see more about this Sunday's Ironman 70.3 on the website; IRONMAN STAFFORDSHIRE 70.3