Tenby’s Mayor has praised all those that took part in this year’s Ironman Wales event - bigging up an ‘electric’ atmosphere around the seaside town once again.

Mayor Cllr Dai Morgan who was on hand at the finishing line along The Esplanade to put medals around the overall winners, as well as congratulating all the finishers, and that of the Ironkids event, the day before, said: “Another absolutely marvellous event.

“My congratulations to all who took part, the spectators, volunteers and organisers. 

“Once again the atmosphere was electric and it just seems to get better and better each year. I look forward to next year,” added Cllr Morgan, who completed the Ironman Wales event back in 2016.

Britain’s Pete Dyson was certainly a worthy winner of Ironman Wales 2024, completing the course in a total time of 09:34:24 - whilst also raising funds for a worthy cause - Alzheimer's Research UK at the same time.

Fundraising for a cause close to his heart, this year’s winner had said before the race that he’d like the event in Tenby and Pembrokeshire to be his last high-level triathlon.

Pete Ironman winner
Fundraising for a cause close to his heart, this year’s winner Pete had said before the race that he’d like the event in Tenby and Pembrokeshire to be his last high-level triathlon. (Gareth Davies Photography)

“Now in 2024, I see my triathlon journey reaching its natural end, I'd like to come full circle and make Ironman Wales my last high-level triathlon. It's an iconic race, much harder than most, and seems an ideal place to wave goodbye," he stated.

The charity is the official partner of Ironman triathlon in the UK, and there were 40 people racing and wearing the Alzheimer's Research UK kit for the event, raising lots of awareness while also raising vital funds.

Daniel McParland's came second in a race time of 9:36:26; with James Hall in third in 9:42:22.

Ironkids and mayor
Tenby's Mayor Cllr Dai Morgan was on hand along The Esplanade to congratulate Ironkids entrants and present them with their medals. (Gareth Davies Photography)

Having led the whole race going into the marathon stage for a significant spell, Tenby’s very own Oliver Simon dropped out of a podium finish in the end, coming ninth, with a total race time of 10:02:30.

Taking top spot for the females was Anna Lawson of the UK who is no stranger to an Ironman victory, having won Ironman Staffordshire in 2022, and finishing first in her age group at Ironman Ireland back in 2019.

Anna Lawson
Taking top spot for the females was Anna Lawson of the UK (Ironman/Facebook)

Germany’s Rike Kubillus came home in second place out of all the female athletes.

Ironman Wales started once again, with thousands of athletes and spectators lining up on the iconic North Beach for the 2.3mile swim.

Preceding the race start at 7.30am was another moment to sends shivers down the spine for those ready to ‘face the dragon’ with an absorbing ‘Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau’ to kick-off the event - a spectacular spectacle in itself, with thousands of supporters on hand to cheer on those about to enter the sea.

Oliver Simon
Having led the whole race going into the marathon stage for a significant spell, Tenby’s very own Oliver Simon dropped out of a podium finish in the end, coming ninth, with a total race time of 10:02:30. (Gareth Davies Photography)

With a daunting weather forecast predicted, the sea seemed relatively calm to start with not a drop of rain in sight, but a bit of blustery wind. However, once the cycling stage was completed, come late afternoon, the weather took a turn for the worse for the 26.2mile marathon run, with the rain starting to teem it down.

That didn’t dampen the spirits of the support though, with another electric atmosphere felt around the seaside town!

Ironman Wales will return next year to Tenby and Pembrokeshire on Sunday, September 21 with general entries opening on Thursday, September 26.