IRONMAN Wales emerged as one of the big winners across Europe, Middle East and Africa in the annual IRONMAN Athletes’ Choice Awards having been voted best race venue and best host city experience along with three further top three and top ten category placements.

The annual Athletes’ Choice Awards is voted for by over 100,000 athletes globally from 41 races, across a range of categories. Events are ranked globally and regionally based on the aggregate response of athletes who raced in 2017.

IRONMAN Wales was voted to have the best race venue and best host city experience across Europe, Middle East and Africa, while it was ranked fourth and sixth respectively in the global rankings in the same categories. The event was also ranked second across Europe, Middle East and Africa for best overall swim, best overall run and will recommend to a friend placing in the global top five for the latter and top 10 globally for overall swim and overall run.

IRONMAN Wales is recognised globally as one of the most challenging IRONMAN races in the world and this tag together with the world-renowned spectator support in Pembrokeshire has not only positioned the race as the ultimate bucket list event, but also as a highly-sought after race destination.

“Every year, we try to be better than the last and provide our athletes with the best possible race experience. We are delighted to have placed so highly in the Athlete Choice Awards as it indicates that our athletes not only enjoyed their race experience, but also their stay in Pembrokeshire,” said Lisa Dent, IRONMAN Wales race director.

“We experienced the most challenging weather conditions in the history of the event last year, but despite this, our athletes enjoyed their experience and a massive part of this was due to the fantastic spectator support in Tenby and greater Pembrokeshire. We believe it is the very best in the world and these results show that the athletes share our sentiment,” added Dent.

The 2018 edition of IRONMAN Wales is set to be another spectacular weekend for athletes and Pembrokeshire, with this year’s race set to be the biggest ever athlete field in the history of the event. With six months until the race, entries have already surpassed the total 2017 field with a limited number of places remaining.

IRONMAN Wales takes place Sunday, September 9.

For more information and to enter, visit the event website, www.ironman.com/wales.

COMPLETE AWARD LIST FOR IRONMAN WALES

Out of 17 races across Europe, Middle East and Africa (41 globally): race venue - first (fourth globally); host city experience - first (sixth globally); overall run - second (sixth globally); overall swim - second (eighth globally); will recommend to a friend - second (fourth globally).