Cumbria's newest sporting challenge brought £1.49 million into the county’s economy.

The inaugural Lakesman long distance triathlon took place in Keswick on June 19 and saw more than 300 competitors swim 2.4 miles in Derwentwater, cycle 112 miles then run a full marathon around the streets of Keswick.

The event itself received positive feedback from competitors, marshals and locals alike but news of the economic boost will come as an added bonus.

The Lakesman was made possible thanks to a partnership between Allerdale council, Greenwich Leisure Ltd, Nuclear Management Partners, the Lakes Distillery, Carlisle-based cnevents and specialist sporting event company Sport in Action.

Councillor Mark Fryer, Allerdale council’s executive member with responsibility for economic development, explained that the council had part-funded the event, and he is very pleased with the return on investment.

“This council has a really strong agenda for economic growth,” he added, “and we know we have to shout louder about everything Allerdale has to offer in terms of sport and leisure if we are to compete with other areas of the Lake District.

“To hear how much money the Lakesman has generated for the local economy is fantastic and shows how important it is that we continue to invest in events of all kinds.

“When we first heard about the idea for the Lakesman, we could see the potential and knew this could become a national or even international event.

“The location is stunning, Keswick already has a reputation as the Adventure Capital of the Lakes, and the landscape lends itself perfectly to a race like this. We’re already excited for 2017.”

Independent research has revealed that the vast majority of athletes and supporters came from outside Cumbria, with 74 per cent of athletes staying overnight in Cumbria.

The average group consisted of 6.1 people, with an average length of stay of about 2.5 nights. This equated to an average spend per group of £1,042.08.

Researchers have revealed there was an additional economic benefit before the Lakesman weekend too, with 72 per cent of participants heading to the area for training. They came to Allerdale an average of 3.1 times each, with a spend of about £129.54 per visit.

Race director Phil Whitehead, of Carlisle-based Sport in Action, said: “Because competitors have to register on either the Friday or the Saturday of Lakesman weekend, we knew most of them would choose to stay over on at least one night, which is great for local businesses.

“What was fantastic to see was that so many competitors chose to make a real break of it. We even had one party of 44 people staying for four nights.

“Word is spreading fast about next year’s event too. We knew our athletes would love the relatively flat course, which is perfect for seasoned competitors who want to set a fast time.

“The feedback has been incredible.

“Jamie Gordon, the referee from the British Triathlon Federation, send us a great note which said: ‘It was the best event I have ever been to – and you can quote me on that’.”