The second Lakesman triathlon pumped almost £1.5 million into the local economy.

The gruelling event saw competitors swim 2.4 miles in Derwentwater, cycle 112 miles across West Cumbria then run a marathon around the streets of Keswick.

The economic benefit of the Lakesman was felt long before the event even started, with 43 per cent of competitors visiting the area to train on average 2.5 times, spending more than £220 on each visit.

Most of the nearly 400 athletes who descended on the area for the event on June 18 booked accommodation for an average stay of three nights.

Each family group spent about £1,138 over the weekend – up nearly £100 on last year – with more than a quarter of the spectators being visitors and most travelling to Keswick specifically for the event.

It is estimated that for every £1 invested into the event, more than £13 was generated for the local economy.

A staggering 99 per cent of athletes said they would do the event again and almost all said they would recommend it to others.

More than half the places have already been snapped up for next year's full and half triathlons.

The Lakesman was organised by CN Events, Allerdale council, Greenwich Leisure Ltd, Nuclear Management Partners, and Sport in Action and sponsored by local businesses Traybakes, McClures and Carvetii Coffee, as well as Zone 3, Lucozade and Ribena.

Race director Phil Whitehead said: "We are absolutely thrilled with the response to this year's event, and the boost to the local economy really is the icing on the cake.

"We work really hard to keep the athletes at the heart of everything we do, and the feedback shows we are achieving this.

"It's great working with Allerdale council to put on high quality events like this that truly showcase the area."

The triathlon was part-funded by Allerdale council.

Councillor Michael Heaslip, the council's executive member for sports development, said: "This event is absolutely brilliant and supports so many of the council's priorities.

"Not only does it boost business and our local towns, but we also get to show the world our fantastic area at its best.

"And of course it promotes healthier lifestyles; who couldn't be inspired by the competitors to get off the sofa, dust off your old bike, swimming togs or running shoes and get out there.

"But of course the best thing to hear is that everyone has such a great time here and a lot of that is all down to the fantastic organisation.

"We knew the Lakesman would be a success when we were first approached to help and it is in every way.

"I understand planning for the 2018 Lakesman is already under way and spaces are filling up fast which is really great to hear."