Athletes from around the globe are under starters orders for the biggest ever sporting event ever seen in Pembrokeshire.

Among them are this local quartet (from left) Oliver Simon, Paul Slack, Carlton Coates and Ian Vickery, who are among the 1,500 competitors taking part in Sunday's gruelling Ironman Wales.

The one-day challenge gets underway with a 2.4-mile swim off Tenby's South Beach at 7 am.

After completing the course, contestants then take to their bikes for a 112-mile cycle ride around a two-loop course extending from Angle to Narberth.

The final leg is a 26.2-mile run on four loops, starting and finishing in Tenby.

Other events as part of the Ironman Wales celebrations include the Expo at the Rectory car park, an Ironman Kids at South Beach tomorrow (Saturday) from 4-6 pm, plus a presentation ceremony at the 'Iron Dome' at Greenhill School on Monday, 11 am - 1 pm, for which tickets are available at the Expo, all culminating in a volunteer party that night with a guest appearance by Beverley Knight.

Race director Matthew Evans, of Ironman Wales' local partner Activity Wales, said: "There is a real buzz around and excitement is mounting for the event. Fingers crossed the weather will be on our side."

See inside for more reports, pictures and letters.