IRONMAN Leeds 2026: Full list of road closures and travel warnings as major event returns this weekend
Major traffic restrictions will come into force across north Leeds and Roundhay this Sunday as thousands arrive for the second annual IRONMAN Leeds triathlon
Drivers, residents, and businesses across Leeds are being urged to check their travel plans ahead of Sunday, as a comprehensive traffic management plan swings into action for the return of IRONMAN Leeds.
The high-profile endurance event - which starts and finishes at Roundhay Park this weekend (August 16) - is expected to bring thousands of spectators and athletes to the city.
As Leeds stands alongside Pembrokeshire as one of only two locations in the UK hosting a full-distance IRONMAN challenge this year, the day-long event is set to build on last year's inaugural edition, which injected an estimated £7m into the local economy.
However, the sheer scale of the event means extensive temporary road closures will be enforced across north Leeds and surrounding villages throughout Sunday.
Council Warning and Emergency Access
Leeds City Council has confirmed that emergency service access will be maintained at all times across all affected routes. Pedestrians will also be permitted to cross the course whenever and wherever it is safe to do so.
To minimize local disruption, organizers have distributed 60,000 information leaflets to local households and contacted more than 100 nearby businesses directly.
Councillor Salma Arif, deputy leader of Leeds City Council and executive member for economy, acknowledged the temporary disruption the event brings to local roads while emphasizing its wider value to the region.
"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," Councillor Arif said. "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."
Bike Route Closures Across North Leeds
The extensive cycling leg of the triathlon will see athletes loop out from Roundhay Park toward Shadwell, passing through or near Thorner, Bardsey, Wike, Harewood, Eccup, Arthington, Adel, and Alwoodley.
To protect competitors, key arterial roads and village routes will be closed to vehicle traffic during the following times:
- Carr Lane (between Shadwell and Thorner): Closed 6am to 3:30pm
- Bramham Road & Thorner Road (east of Thorner): Closed 6am to 3:30pm
- A61 Harrogate Road (between A659 Harewood & Wigton Approach / Grammar School): Closed 7am to 5:30pm
- Alwoodley Lane (eastbound between King Lane & A61 Harrogate Road): Closed 7:30am to 5:30pm
- Wigton Lane (eastbound between A61 Harrogate Road & Wike Ridge Lane): Closed 7:30am to 5:30pm
Roundhay Park & Local Street Restrictions
The marathon run stage of the race will follow a looped course taking in the western side of Roundhay Park and surrounding residential streets. The first finishing athletes are expected to cross the line near the park's cricket pavilion at approximately 3.00pm.
A network of local streets around Roundhay will be subject to closures throughout Sunday for the run route and general event setup:
- Street Lane: Closed between Devonshire Avenue and Princes Avenue for much of Sunday.
- Gledhow Avenue: Closed between Lidgett Lane and Jackson Avenue.
- Gledhow Lane: Closed eastbound between Thorn Lane and Old Park Road.
- Jackson Avenue & Old Park Road: Closed for much of Sunday.
- Park Avenue (near Lakeside Cafe): Closed continuously from 6am on August 15, until 5pm on August 17.
Practical Information & Contact Details
Visitors heading to Roundhay Park should note that Tropical World will operate slightly revised opening hours on Sunday, open from 10.00am to 4.00pm (with last entry permitted at 3.30pm).
Anyone with specific road access inquiries—including carers, health workers, or social care staff needing to conduct home visits within closure zones—can contact the IRONMAN team directly via email.
Interactive live closure maps and full route breakdowns can also be accessed on the official IRONMAN website.