Being the Hands and Feet of Jesus at Ironman Swansea 

For thousands of athletes, completing an Ironman is the culmination of months of training, preparation and sacrifice. But when race day doesn’t go to plan, sports chaplains are there to offer practical care, a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on.

In July, Heather and Luca served as chaplains at Ironman 70.3 Swansea, joining approximately 2,500 participants and the many families, coaches, trainers and supporters who gathered in the city for the event.

Ironman 70.3 is a half Ironman, consisting of a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride and a 13.1-mile run. Swansea also forms part of the worldwide Pro Series, attracting athletes from across the world to compete.

For Heather and Luca, however, the weekend wasn’t about who crossed the finish line first. Their role was to be present for the people behind the competition.



The chaplaincy team's involvement began before the racing got underway. Ironman allows a service called Ironprayer to take place, usually on the day before the race, which is open to anyone who would like to attend.

During the 45-minute service, thoughts are shared around a Bible verse alongside prayer and time for quiet reflection. Photographs from previous events are shown while hymns including Be Thou My Vision and You Raise Me Up are played, creating an opportunity for those attending to pause and reflect before race day.

Then, on Sunday morning, the work of the chaplains begins very early. Although the race itself doesn't start until 7am, Heather and Luca were on duty from around 5.30am, beginning with briefings alongside the paramedic team at the swimming section. 

Some athletes struggle during the swim and have to be pulled from the water. Others don't make the required cut-off time and are unable to continue. Heather describes the role of the chaplain in these moments as being “the hands and feet of Jesus” and simply coming alongside people when they need support.



Once the remaining swimmers have moved into transition and begun the cycling stage, Heather and Luca take over the care of those whose race has ended. They collect athletes' bags from the transition tent, help them get what they need and enable them to rejoin family and friends so they can continue watching the race. Then, as Heather explains, they “start all over again”.

As competitors begin returning from the cycling stage, there are more athletes whose race may have ended unexpectedly through injury or other difficulties. When an injury isn't serious enough to require further medical attention, the chaplains can once again step alongside them.

Sometimes that means making someone a drink or retrieving their belongings. Sometimes it means making a phone call to a family member. And sometimes it simply means listening.

“We allow the athlete to talk about whatever they are comfortable in talking about,” Heather explains, “or giving them a shoulder to cry on, as often is the case.

Ironman Swansea is just one example of event chaplaincy taking place across the UK. Pat Cooke-Rogers, who we have previously featured for her work in event chaplaincy, regularly serves at Ironman and other endurance events, walking alongside athletes, families, staff and volunteers throughout the year. This weekend, she will once again be serving at an Ironman event.

We are incredibly grateful to Heather and Luca for serving at this year's event, and to all our sports chaplains who continue to offer care and support within sporting communities across the UK and Ireland.

Please join us in praying for our event chaplains and the many people they meet and support through their work.