Tenby firefighter Nicky Rees completed his ‘eighth out of eight’ Ironman Wales in the town since starting in 2011.

Nicky finished the course in a time of 13:01:11. It was his tenth Ironman challenge overall.

JO BRACE

Jo Brace’s Christmas gift was wrapped up on Sunday after she completed the Ironman Wales challenge.

“I’ve been a member of Tenby Aces for a few years and have always been inspired by the achievements of our members each Ironman day. However I wasn’t prepared for what I received last Chrismas morning, what I thought might have been a trip to New York turned out to be an entry for Ironman Wales!

“On Sunday, with the help of friends, family and my Aces family I ‘slayed the dragon’. The people of Tenby and Pembrokeshire were amazing. All day I heard other athletes say how amazing the support was.”

EMIL CHWISTEK

Emil Chwistek who took on his fourth Ironman Wales on Sunday said that the support gets bigger every year!

“Ironman 2018 was amazing - each time the support gets bigger and more impressive. Cycling up St. Brides Hill to New Hedges was overwhelming, the support snaked right to the top which I’ve never witnessed before, totally surreal.

“Once on the run I was in my element and I would like to thank all of the supporters, volunteers, my family, friends and other athletes for the encouragement around the course,” said Emil who finished in a time of 12:14:18.

RACHEL ELLIS

Rachel?Ellis took on the Ironman Wales challenge to raise funds for Velindre Cancer Centre.

“In September 2014 I stood overlooking North beach at 7am with goosepimples as I watched the Ironman swim start for the first time, thinking the athletes must be super human.

“I had previously done a half marathon and had recently started cycling but was definitely not able to comprehend how anyone could complete this event.

“I have since been in Tenby to watch each year and slowly started to think it might be a possibility for me.

“Things really changed in 2016 when my husband Jeff and I started to cycle with Tenby CC.

“I had just completed the London marathon and learnt to swim. I also completed the half distances at LCW and signed up to Saundersfoot Tri, my first ever triathlon.

“The following day I watched some of the Tenby CC team become Ironmen and they inspired me to work towards the 2018 event, with full LCW in 2017 as training.

“The time flew by and on Sunday I had made it to the start line, my training had gone well and the hours of local club rides, along with the advice and support from the Tenby CC team had me as prepared as I felt I could be.

“Setting off for the swim I was excited about the day ahead, but was keen to avoid my least favourite Tenby residents, the dreaded jellies!

“We were treated to great conditions and fortunately only one jelly fish came to say hello!

“As I exited the swim I got to properly experience the atmosphere from an athlete point of view for the first time. Running to T1 was an experience I will never forget and I felt like a celebrity with so many people screaming my name.

“Out on the bike course I was just blown away - Tenby CC is one of the newer clubs in the area, but wow did they manage to cover the course.

“I seemed to see our kit on every corner and the team had gone to town, with posters, banners and chalk on the road.

“I rode the familiar miles with a huge smile on my face, using the support to keep me going. Aside from my club mates, the locals and tourists were also amzing and my Tenby CC kit got a lot of cheers around the route.

“Out on to the run and once again the support was incredible, I had been suffering all day with sickness so had to take it easy at times but this gave me a chance to speak to fellow athletes and volunteers, and soak in the atmosphere.

“From town to New Hedges the streets were lined and once again there seemed to be a Tenby CC kit or banner everywhere I looked.

“The team were there for me right to the last lap and cheered me over the finish line while I experienced the red carpet moment.

“It’s true that Ironman is not a solo effort and I had the very best with me on the day.

“Huge thanks to my husband Jeff, my friends and family from home, and Jon Mills with the Tenby CC team supporting on the day, too many to mention!

“Thanks also to those who have donated and supported my chosen charity for my Ironman Wales journey, Velindre Cancer Centre.

“I have currently raised over £800 with donations still coming in and hope to reach £1,000.

More information can be found at the webpage: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/rach09092018