As thousands of athletes descended on Tenby, the entire county of Pembrokeshire in South West Wales was able to witness the spectacle of IRONMAN Wales and IRONKIDS Wales this weekend (17-18 September 2016).
The IRONMAN UK & Ireland organising team have confirmed that IRONMAN Wales will return to Tenby on Sunday 10 September 2017. Furthermore, IRONMAN and Pembrokeshire County Council are working towards a long term agreement for the event to remain in the county, which is estimated to bring around £3.5 million to the local economy. If successful it will guarantee the event’s future until 2021 – its tenth anniversary.
Kevin Stewart, Managing Director IRONMAN UK & Ireland said, “We are very pleased to be able to confirm the date for next year’s race. This is a very special event that has earned its reputation as one of the best on the circuit as a result of the phenomenal welcome and atmosphere the entire county brings.”
The Council’s Cabinet Member for Transportation and Major Events, Councillor Rob Lewis said “With the help of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, we are delighted to announce that IRONMAN Wales will be returning to Pembrokeshire in 2017.
“Our goal now is to secure its future for another four years after that – right up until 2021 – and negotiations are underway on that basis.”
Amongst the 2,000 athletes entered for IRONMAN Wales 2016, in what is arguably one of the toughest races on the IRONMAN calendar, are a diverse mix of individuals – including a trio of Welsh Rugby legends Shane Williams, Ryan Jones and Ian Gough. The three rugby players have helped to continue a trend of a strong participant base from Wales itself, alongside athletes from the rest of the UK and beyond.
The main event of IRONMAN Wales got underway at 07:10 GMT on Sunday 18 September. Starting and finishing in Tenby, the event comprises a 2.4 mile swim off North beach, a 112 mile bike race around South Pembrokeshire followed by a 26.2 mile marathon run.
With the action taking place across Pembrokeshire there are opportunities and venues to view the event, including Tenby’s North beach, Carew, Narbeth and Saundersfoot for the bike and Tenby’s town centre for the run and finish on The Esplanade.
