Tenby and Pembrokeshire is once again gearing up to host the Ironman Wales triathlon this Sunday (September 11).

Returning to Tenby after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, Ironman Wales will be back to full capacity racing as it celebrates its long-awaited 10th anniversary with a sold-out race and weekend of activity.

Ironman Wales sees Tenby (nicknamed the ‘Iron Town’ since hosting the event) come alive to a stunning sunrise swim on North Beach, and a fan-filled town-centre.

The event will start at North Beach from 6.55 am on Sunday with the professional men’s field. Welcoming some of the top male triathletes from across the globe, competitors from France, Germany, New Zealand, and more will travel to Pembrokeshire for their shot at the 2022 Ironman Wales Champion title.

Leading the charge is two-time Ironman UK winner Joe Skipper (GBR), who will be looking to secure his first Ironman win this year. Local eyes will also be on Swansea-based athlete Andrew Horsfall-Turner (GBR), as he takes on his first full-distance Ironman race on home soil.

The rolling age group start will commence at 7 am, with amateur athletes ranging from 18 to 76 beginning their 2022 Ironman Wales journey. The 2.4-mile swim course takes athletes twice around Goscar Rock in Carmarthen Bay before running up the infamous zig zag staircase on their way to transition.

The next leg of the triathlon event comprises a 112-mile bike ride, as athletes cycle through the picturesque Pembrokeshire countryside on a challenging two-loop course known for its steep hills, epic descents, and over 2,000 metres of climbing.

Passing numerous castles and iconic landmarks, athletes will take on the crowd-supported cycle up St Brides Hill in Saundersfoot, known as Heartbreak Hill for its gruelling elevation, before rolling down into Tenby’s town centre to start the final section of the Ironman event.

The race finishes with a 26.2-mile run, or full marathon, as athletes settle into a four-loop course exploring the mediaeval town walls and incredible beachfront of southwest Wales - all set to the cheers of tens of thousands of supporters along the way.

Ironman Wales will welcome 36% Welsh athletes to the field, with over 1,000 athletes taking on their first full-distance Ironman event in 2022. Returning to Tenby to race yet again is Welsh rugby legend Shane Williams, who competed in the 2019 event and raced the inaugural Ironman 70.3 Swansea event in his hometown last month as a warm-up race for Ironman Wales.

Tenby’s Esplanade will once again play host to the Ironman red carpet, where athletes will cross the finishing line to the voice of Paul Kaye, who returns to Ironman Wales for the first time since 2017 to announce for the event’s tenth anniversary edition.

Paul Kaye, global master of ceremonies for Ironman, said: “I am ecstatic to be coming back to this event in Tenby. I had the privilege of attending the first edition in 2011, and wow was it special. Special for Pembrokeshire, special for Wales, special for Ironman, but special for me as well.

“This was my first year doing an Ironman Europe tour and I was astonished at the atmosphere this event produced.”

The tenth anniversary of Ironman Wales will also mark an incredible milestone for ten age group athletes racing on September 11 - as Chris Mackay, David Swan, Ed Morgan, Gary Flower, Jayne Arnold, Nick Elliott, Nicky Rees, Ryan Thomas, Paul Arnold, and Paul Slack embark on their own tenth editions of the event.

Having each participated in every iteration of Ironman Wales since the inaugural race in 2011, the athletes will be looking to add yet another medal to their impressive collections this Sunday.

Ryan Thomas, who will be racing for the tenth time in Tenby said: “Living in Pembrokeshire, being able to train on the course, and to have my friends and family come and support me on my first Ironman was priceless.

“I was only ever planning on completing one event, but what has kept me coming back has to be the amazing support of the crowd, that feeling of running down the red carpet, and having such a challenge on my doorstep.”

Ten-year athlete Ed Morgan commented on his fondest memory: “My most memorable moment must be sitting in the finisher tent at 2019 Ironman Wales, watching all of my nearly 50 clubmates from Taff Ely Triathlon come in. I’m their head coach and feel extremely proud to watch them achieve their dreams alongside me.

“All the Welsh clubs really support this race, and it’s the highlight of every year to see swathes of Taff Ely and other local club colours out on the course and crossing the finishing line.”

Ironman Wales is a qualifying race for the 2023 VinFast IRONMAN World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, offering 55 of the top athletes a chance to race internationally on October 12 and 14, 2023.

The new Ironman Wales Champion is expected to cross the finishing line at approximately 3.50 pm on Sunday, with the final finisher making their way down the red carpet at 12.15 am on Monday morning.

As part of the event there will be road closures to ensure safety and full details can be found on the Ironman website - IMW Overview 2022.cdr (sportngin.com)

This means the 387/8 Coastal Cruiser bus service which covers Angle Peninsula will not be operating on Sunday, September 11.

Shuttle busses are running a return service from Carew Airfield from 7.30 am to 6 pm on Saturday; and 4.30 am to midnight on Sunday.

There is a Sunday only Saundersfoot service running from The Green to Twycross Roundabout between 9 am and 6 pm.

Saturday, Sunday and weekend tickets can be purchased pre-event online, at athlete registration and on Saturday or Sunday at Carew Airfield.

Athletes can travel for free on Sunday with their athlete wristband.

For more information, see: https://www.ironman.com/im-wales-travel

Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Pembrokeshire County Council Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services and Leisure, said: “We are delighted to see the return of Ironman Wales after a two-year gap due to Covid restrictions.

“I’m sure the crowds will be eager to once again line the streets and routes and come out to support.

“Please take a moment to look at the road closure details ahead of the event. These road closures are required to ensure the safety of competitors and spectators.

“The event has become iconic on the Ironman world circuit and number one in the world for the welcome Pembrokeshire gives to Ironman athletes and visitors.

“The crowd make the event and I’m looking forward to seeing everyone once again welcoming Ironman and Pembrokeshire once again underlining that this is a county that can host and make a success of major events.”

Rebecca Sutherland, Ironman Wales Race Director, said: “We are overjoyed to be back in Pembrokeshire hosting the tenth edition of Ironman Wales. This event has become infamous for its spectator support, from its goosebumps-inducing swim start to its Tour de France style crowds, and we know this year will be no different as thousands of athletes descend on the region.

“We would like to thank Pembrokeshire County Council, the communities across the course, and our dedicated staff, suppliers, and volunteers for their efforts in bringing Ironman Wales to life again.”

“Our team has been hard at work over the last two years to create a truly unforgettable experience for our athletes, spectators, and local communities. We’re overjoyed to finally be back in Pembrokeshire and can’t wait to see all our athletes across the finishing line.”