After the backlash against the sporting event being held earlier this year, the organisers of Ironman Wales have already confirmed the date for 2024’s triathlon in Tenby.

Ironman Wales will be back next year on Sunday, September 22 with organisers stating: “We can't wait to continue to bring you the race that legends are made of, in a truly special destination,” telling those that are planning on ‘Facing the Dragon’ that limited places are still available.

Over 90 businesses in Tenby recently signed a petition opposing the fact that Ironman Wales will be held earlier this year, with correspondence sent to Pembrokeshire County Council from traders questioning the ‘integrity’ of the local authority in making a decision without consultation.

The sporting triathlon, held in and around Tenby will officially go ahead on Sunday, September 3 in 2023, despite concerns raised by local councillors and businesses that this would impact on the end of the summer season, with those concerned questioning as to whether this would bring as much benefit to the local economy, by not holding the event beyond the summer holidays, effectively extending the season in the area.

Concerns have been flagged-up that much holiday accommodation will already have been booked up, leaving a large number of holidaymakers and Ironman competitors and their entourages unable to book anything in the last week of August.

Pembrokeshire County Council has previously stated that due to ‘available tides’ and ‘other factors’ the date subsequently settled on with the event’s organisers was September 3, with the local authority stating that this was the only date available in 2023.

In excess of 90 business and non-domestic rate payers largely located within the town walls of Tenby wrote to PCC’s chief executive Will Bramble last month, asking why requests that had been made to move the date back further into September had seemingly been ignored, even though meetings had been held between the local authority’s street care manager Marc Owen (acting for PCC) on January 9.

A Pembrokeshire County Council spokesperson said: “We have noted concerns raised regarding this year’s date, in particular in relation to Ironman 2023 being on the 3rd September.

“We recognise that the 3rd September is not ideal, but there have also been a number operational and reputational elements to consider. However, with the general support for Ironman over the years and that the date for 2020 was scheduled for the 6th September, on balance it is felt that as the event has been advertised and athlete and hospitality commitment is in place that we should accept the date of the 3rd September for this one year.

“The Council very much regret and apologise this matter has become so contentious under these circumstances, given the previous such good feeling in general across the community.

“The wider position has also been considered, in relation to the reputation of Ironman Wales Pembrokeshire and the economic benefit it has given our county over the last 10 years and moving forward. Last year’s economic impact assessment has indicated a £5 million injection to our county during the event week alone/

“Ironman Wales Pembrokeshire is globally recognised as one of the premier Ironman events and the economic impact assessment indicates significant visitor spend. We are also mindful that athletes and families will visit the county outside Ironman week for pre-training and vacation.

“To date there has been strong collaboration and support for Ironman and 2023 is a one off year in relation to the date – moving forward we can ensure events are positioned in the year calendar to benefit all,” they added.

Ironman and Welsh Triathlon have announced on St David’s Day (March 1) their first ever ‘Long Distance Welsh National Championship’ race will be Ironman Wales at Tenby on Sunday, September 3.

Titles will be contested in each age group from age 19 to 90.

Every year, Tenby comes alive when thousands of athletes descend on the village to ‘take on the dragon’ in the iconic sporting event.

Cheered on by streets lined with locals and supporters, the atmosphere is rarely beaten anywhere in the world!

The race starts on the iconic North Beach where crowds gather along the ‘zig-zag’ stairs to cheer athletes on.

For the first time ever, Welsh Triathlon have added an Ironman distance event to their ranks which already includes a sprint distance triathlon, a middle distance triathlon and a full distance triathlon amongst other disciples such as a duathlon.

“I am delighted that Ironman Wales will now offer the opportunity for Welsh triathletes to be recognised as a national champion within their age-group,” said Rebecca Sutherland, Ironman Wales Race Director.

“Ironman Wales is already the most prominent and popular triathlon weekend in the country and incorporating this additional element will further enhance the race’s significance and enjoyment for our athletes.”

To be eligible for the Championship podium, you must be a valid member of Welsh Triathlon, and have entered Ironman Wales by midnight on the Sunday before race day.

You can still secure your place at: https://www.ironman.com/im-wales-register whilst tickets last.

Welsh Triathlon’s CEO, Beverley Lewis, said: “Welsh Triathlon is delighted to be partnering with Ironman to deliver our first ever Long Distance National Championship event.

“Ironman Wales is such an important part of the triathlon calendar in Wales for competitors and spectators alike, that to add the ability for Welsh Triathlon members to compete for a podium in Tenby is exciting.”

The course is challenging with an ocean swim and hilly bike and run legs which will see athletes battle it out over a 3.8km (2.4 mile) swim, 180.2km (112 mile) bike and 42.2km (26.2 mile) run.