Places are still available for those wanting to enter.
There's just 50 days left until the AJ Bell 2022 World Triathlon Championship Series- and it's taking place in the heart of Leeds.
The city will play host to a two-day triathlon festival across Saturday 11 June - Sundau 12 June 2022, making this the sixth year for Leeds to hold this prestigious position.
Thousands are due to race along a route lined with spectators to uniquely reach the same finish line as the very best in the business, but there's still time to add your name to the list and join the world’s best to swim, bike, run across the weekend around Roundhay Park.
It’s just one month until entries close across all distances Sunday 22 May 2022, including the GO TRI (beginner-level), sprint and standard events.
The likes of Jonny Brownlee, Georgia Taylor-Brown and Alex Yee will be focusing on this leg of the World Triathlon Championship Series ahead of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in July- so you might even spot a sporting celeb or two during the weekend event.
Lindsay Impett, Event Director, said: “It’s just a fantastic weekend out.
“There are so many different ways to get involved that if you’re nervous about doing a standard triathlon, come and join the sprint, or if you’re nervous about joining the sprint, come and join as a relay and split the swim, bike, run with your friends.
“It’s a beautiful park - large enough to contain both the swimming and running elements, and then we’re just onto the roads for the cycling. But it is a really fantastic location for people to see such a large part of the racing from all different parts of the park.
“What makes this such a unique event is anyone can take part. You can build up from GO TRI to do a sprint triathlon, which sounds like it would be a really fast triathlon but it’s actually a shorter version than the standard distance.
As well as the enduring triathalon events, there will also be a children and family swim and run activity to ensure that the entire family can partake and ignite their interest in the sports.
Councillor James Lewis, Leader of Leeds City Council, said:
“The AJ Bell 2022 World Triathlon Championship Series Leeds is just around the corner, with only 50 days to go. As a city, we’re gearing up for the incredible atmosphere the weekend will bring and preparing to showcase our stunning Roundhay Park to the world.
“Leeds has become the home of triathlon in the UK and it’s fantastic to see so many people sharing our excitement and getting ready to take part or spectate. I’m positive it will be another truly memorable event that the city can be proud of."
For more information, including how you can get involved in the AJ Bell 2022 World Triathlon Championship Series in Leeds, visit the Leeds Triathlon website.
Feature Image- Supplied
Leeds
Claire’s shutting down all standalone shops in UK and Ireland
In another hit to the high streets, Claire's Accessories is shutting up shop across the UK and Ireland after entering into administration yet again.
Falling into an unfortunate financial status for the second time in less than a year, Claire's will be shutting down all of their standalone stores across Britain, along with their IE branches.
A total of 154 stores will soon disappear, with more than a thousand people set to be put out of work.
Once a mainstay up and down the country, the accessory shop known for all things jewellery, piercings and more has ceased trading effective immediately.
Announced at the start of the week and the end of the first full month of Q2, it was confirmed that Claire's closed their final locations on Monday, 27 April.
With administrators, Kroll, appointed to wrap up business proceedings, an estimated 1,300 English, Irish, Scottish and Welsh workers have now lost their jobs.
Founded in America way back in 1961, Claire's has enjoyed a presence across the Atlantic for more than three decades.
However, with various other contemporaries and cheaper online options having appeared over the years, they've struggled not just to remain profitable but to compete full stop.
They filed for bankruptcy in the US in August 2025 after having already concluded operations in Spain, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
For many, the outcome isn't all that surprising, but it will nevertheless be a sad loss for many who have seen multiple generations visit these venues over the years.
Slam Dunk festival’s statement in full as director steps down amid allegations
Daisy Jackson
Slam Dunk festival has shared a statement confirming one of its directors has stepped down, in the wake of allegations.
The popular punk festival takes place next month across two sites, one of which is here in Leeds.
This year's line-up is set to include headline performances from the likes of Good Charlotte, Knocked Loose, Sublime, and Taking Back Sunday.
But Slam Dunk has been hitting the headlines for all the wrong reasons this week after allegations against one of its directors came to light.
Slam Dunk said in its statement, which did not get into specifics about the nature of the allegations, that the festival 'remains committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all employees, partners, and customers'.
They added that the director has stepped down, but 'strongly refutes' the allegations.
The statement then promised 'transparency and honesty' and said that more updates would be provided when appropriate.
Slam Dunk wrote: "We are aware of allegations published yesterday relating to one of our directors. We take these allegations seriously and understand that they may be distressing and hard to process for our community.
"Our Slam Dunk fans, staff, and artists are, as always, our top priority.
"While he strongly refutes these allegations, the director in question has agreed, in consultation with the board, to step down from Slam Dunk operations while this matter is ongoing.
"Slam Dunk remains committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all employees, partners, and customers.
"Our values and culture are fundamental to how we operate, and we are committed to upholding them.
"It would be inappropriate for us to comment further on an ongoing legal matter.
"However, we promise transparency and honesty to our Slam Dunk community and will provide updates when it is appropriate to do so."
Slam Dunk returns to Temple Newsam in Leeds on Sunday 24 May.
Sophie Smith -
22nd April 2022 
