There's just days to go to this year's Ironman event.

Following the huge success of last year's triathlon in Tenby, the endurance race is being staged in and around the town again this month.

Over 10,000 spectators are expected to visit the resort and surrounding area on Sunday to cheer on the 1,600 plus Ironman Wales competitors.

To ensure the smooth running of the event, a number of road closures will take place across the area throughout the day.

Pembrokeshire County Council has set-up an interactive online map so that visitors and residents can see which roads are likely to be affected by the event and when.

Live Facebook and Twitter feeds will also be streamed on the day to keep people updated on road closures/openings, incidents and race information.

"We were thrilled at the turnout for last year's Ironman Wales and hope that this year's event will be equally, if not more, successful," said deputy leader, Clr. Rob Lewis.

"It gives us a wonderful opportunity to put the county on the tourist map as host of one of the biggest - and also one of the most arduous - sporting events in the world."

The Ironman triathlon is a gruelling competition, with competitors having to swim 2.4 miles, cycle 112 miles before running a complete 26.2-mile marathon - all without a break.

The event starts at 7 am when competitors enter the sea at North Beach for the swimming leg of the triathlon. Once out of the water, they then embark on a bike ride across the whole of the south of the county from Angle to Narberth.

The final marathon stage will be run around the Tenby and New Hedges area.

Because of the nature of the event, there is likely to be a gap in time between the first entrants home and the last, necessitating road closures for some of the day, although roads will be reopened directly behind the last competitor.

Despite some road closures, crossing points along the event route have been added this year to keep traffic flowing. The A40 and A477 will remain unaffected.

Meanwhile, a Park and Ride system will be in operation based at Carew Airfield for spectators wishing to view the event in Tenby and Saundersfoot.

"I hope that residents will bear with us and give the event their full support," said Clr. Lewis.

"Those of us who live here know how beautiful our county is and with this event being given worldwide TV coverage we have a great opportunity to advertise Pembrokeshire across the globe."

To find the digital map log onto the council's dedicated Ironman website http://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/ironman">www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/ironman then go into Race Day Travel.

Follow the council's Facebook and Twitter pages or log onto the website http://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/ironman">www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/ironman for the live feed. Twitter users can follow the #tag #ironmanpembs. Alternatively, see http://www.facebook.com/pembrokeshirecountycouncil">www.facebook.com/pembrokeshirecountycouncil or http://www.twitter.com/pembrokeshire">www.twitter.com/pembrokeshire

For general Ironman queries, ring the county council's contact centre on 01437 764551.

Tenby to host Ironman Wales this weekend

This weekend's Ironman Wales may mark the end of Ironman racing in UK and Ireland for 2012, but its sensational atmosphere amidst spectacular Pembrokeshire scenery makes it the ultimate setting for Ironman athletes.

Building on the success of the inaugural Ironman Wales last year, together with the support of the Welsh Government, the event is set to be a massive spectacle not to be missed.

Over 1,650 entries, a 12 per cent increase on 2011, will be taking to the sandy beaches of Tenby this Sunday, September 16, at 7 am.

Whilst a 2.4 mile swim, 112-mile bike, and 26.2-mile run may deter many, an impressive 40 per cent of entrants will be embarking on an Ironman for the first time and the locals have also embraced such a challenge, with 15 per cent of entries being from Wales.

The weekend's racing gets underway with the IronKids event tomorrow (Saturday) at 2 pm on North Beach.

Incorporating a swim-run for five-14-year-olds, this exciting element of Ironman Wales offers youngsters the chance to be part of a world class event and to get a taste for triathlon within a competitive environment.

Leading the race will be a 30 strong Pro field battling it out for the $25,000 prize purse, including Ironman UK champions Eimear Mullan (IRE) and Dan Halksworth (GBR) hoping to extend their titles against a number of leading European athletes.

Tough competition is expected from Sylcia Nova (FRA) in the men's field and veteran Ironman Hilary Biscay (USA) in the women's.

Amongst the age group athletes will be seven of our remaining 'Ultimate Ironmen'.

At the start of the season, 13 inspirational athletes took up the challenge to complete all four Ironman events, Ironman 70.3 UK, Ironman UK, Ironman 70.3 Ireland and, with Ironman Wales will be the culmination of their astounding achievement.

Norman Driscoll, who when he signed up with his wife a year ago, had never competed in a triathlon before let alone an Ironman.

"Ironman Wales feels far more significant now than if I was just entering a stand alone event. The idea of a special finishers trophy and medal seemed like a good idea at the time!"

Amongst some of the 600 first time athletes is local undertaker Simon Rossiter from Tenby, who offered his services as a volunteer marshal last year and was so inspired, committed to entering this year's event.

Along with all the other athletes, Simon will be looking to cross the line within the 17-hour time limit to hear the Ironman badge of honour 'You are an Ironman'.

The event takes place over this weekend with a range of activities for all the family.

In addition to the Ironman Wales event on Sunday, there will be an Ironman Expo at the Rectory Car Park in Tenby until Sunday which is free for the public to attend and a great opportunity to view and buy the latest sports equipment.

The race starts at North Beach, located in the heart of of Tenby, with a 2.4-mile sea swim, before athletes take on a challenging 112-mile bike course through the scenic countryside of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, passing numerous castles and iconic landmarks.

The Pembrokeshire coast also provides an impressive backdrop for the run through Tenby and up to New Hedges, creating one of the toughest Ironman courses in the world.

Kevin Stewart, managing director of Ironman UK and Ireland, said: "We are really looking forward to returning to the beautiful countryside of Pembrokeshire. The breathtaking scenery offers a stunning yet challenging course wtih a very special atmosphere. We look forward to welcoming all the athletes and very much hope as many spectators as possible will come and be part of the race and cheer them on."

The weekend's events are free for spectators to come and watch. With Ironman Wales action taking place across the south of the county there are a number of opportunities and venues to view the event, including North Beach cliff, Narberth, Saundersfoot and a range of vantage points around Tenby, where the first athlete is expected to finish around 3.30 pm on The Esplanade.

Further information can be found at http://www.ironmanwales.com">www.ironmanwales.com

Steve gears up

Gearing up for Sunday's Ironman Wales is Steve Rogers.

Steve took part in the inaugural Welsh event last year in a time of 12 hours 57 minutes.

He said: "I completed my first Ironman this year in Lanzarote which was one minute faster than the Ironman Wales time. I was very pleased to complete both Ironmen in sub 13 hours as they are regarded the most difficult on the Ironman circuits in the world.

"Coincidently, Oli Simon's time was also a minute faster in Lanzarote than Wales. Oli, who had time to shower and change, greeted Matthew (Evans), Jason (Cuthbert) and I at the finish line in Lanzarote Ironman. He was in the pro field and has been for a couple of years now.

"I know that Oli will be looking to come out of the water first at Ironman Wales this year as he did last year and I wish him all the very best in his race."

Steve continued: "I have completed two Ironmen with Matthew (Evans) and am looking forward to doing Ironman Wales with him as he had the insight and inspiration to bring Ironman to Wales and of course was the race director of Ironman Wales last year, along with Scott Powell, who is also taking up the challenge of Ironman Wales.

"Matthew and Scott, the organisers of the very successful Long Course Weekend, have yet to take part in a long distance endurance event in Pembrokeshire and they will soon both know how hard the course is as I have completed all three Long Course Weekend races with local athlete Nicky Rees, who also did Ironman Wales last year!"

"What makes this sport so special is that Matthew Evans, the race director of that Ironman Wales 2011, greeted and congratulated Oli, Jason and I at the finish line in Ironman Wales last year.

"Matthew will be racing as 'Captain Cymru' raising money for the RNLI. I would love to finish with him, but of course he'll be using his super powers!"

Public transport routes affected

Public Transport Routes affected on Sunday, Septemer 16, are as follows:

349 Haverfordwest, Pembroke, Tenby: Journeys prior to 15.15 will operate between Haverfordwest and Pembroke Dock only, at times as per current timetable. Normal service resumes after 15.15, but subject to diversion through Tenby.

350 Tenby, Amroth: Unable to operate.

352 Tenby, Saundersfoot: Unable to operate.

381 Haverfordwest, Narberth, Tenby: Will operate between Haverfordwest, Narberth only, times as per current timetable.

387 Pembroke Dock, Angle, Stackpole and 388 Stackpole, Angle, Pembroke Dock: No service during morning, normal service resumes after 12.50 using Lower Lamphey Road.

508 National Express, Haverfordwest to London: Unable to serve Pembroke in morning, the alternative site is Pembroke Dock Tesco. Unable to serve Tenby all day, Kilgetty (Community Centre) is the alternative site.

528 National Express, Haverfordwest to Rochdale: Unable to serve Tenby all day, Kilgetty (Community Centre) is the alternative site.