The town of Tenby in South West Wales is set to come alive in just under 2 weeks as over 2,400 athletes representing 30 countries will be taking part in the 5th annual IRONMAN Wales on Sunday 13 September.
IRONKIDS kicks off the weekend’s racing from 15:00 to 17:00 BST on Saturday 12 September, which will see over 1,000 kids aged 3-14 take part in this fun run in and around Tenby, finishing on The Esplanade.
Then on Sunday 13 September over 2,400 athletes who secured a place in this sell out event, will be taking the plunge on Tenby’s north beach from 07:00 for a 2.4 mile, 2 lap sea swim. From here they will head off on a 112 mile bike ride and 26.2 marathon run, all to be achieved within 17 hours.
Since its inception in 2011, when 1,478 athletes signed up to the challenge, IRONMAN Wales has now grown to become a firm fixture on the European Tour; and Pembrokeshire embraces IRONMAN in a style like no other. The race has become renowned for the electric atmosphere that the town of Tenby and surrounding Pembrokeshire villages bring with them in support of the athletes.
Despite being one of the toughest on the IRONMAN calendar, which now offers over 120 events globally, IRONMAN Wales attracts not only an impressive 50% first timers, but also a significant number of athletes from Pembrokeshire, who relish in the local support. As the organizing team point out, the vibe is inspirational and 238 Pembrokeshire athletes will be taking up the IRONMAN challenge in 2015, a 10% increase on last year.
As well as seeing some of the world’s leading triathletes compete, event organisers and athletes are encouraging as many as possible to part of the weekend’s action, which is free to watch.
With organisers continually looking to enhance the course and athlete experience, this year’s event will see The Park & Ride Service operate once again; but passengers will need to buy a day ticket to use the bus service between Carew, Tenby and Saundersfoot. This follows the huge increase in demand in 2014 and will allow organisers to provide the necessary buses for an efficient service.
Furthermore, essential vehicle access to Tenby will be via the A478 and Devonshire Drive between 09:00 and 16:00 this year; the crossing of the bike course at Heatherton will be closed during this period due to avoid the delays experienced last year.
Kevin Stewart, Managing Director IRONMAN, Northern Europe, commented, “IRONMAN Wales has earned its reputation as not only one of the toughest IRONMAN races, but also one that offers athletes the most amazing atmosphere. This couldn’t be achieved without the extensive support throughout the county of Pembrokeshire, together with Welsh Government and the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.
“We’re very much looking forward to welcoming all of the athletes and spectators for what we hope will be another fantastic event.”
