Some 1,850 athletes from 49 countries descended on Pembrokeshire for Ironman Wales on Sunday, to take part in the gruelling sporting event which was described as "out of this world" by the Mayor of Tenby, Clr. Mrs. Sue Lane, this week. Over the day, participants swam 2.4 miles at the North Beach, before cycling 112 miles ahead of the 26.2 mile marathon run to complete the challenging triathlon. Nearly 40,000 supporters took to Tenby's streets to cheer the competitors home, with South African Matt Trautman winning the event in nine hours, seven minutes and 28 seconds. He is seen below celebrating his success, along with runner-up Fraser Cartmell and third-placed Peru Alfaro San Ildefonso. See inside this week's Observer for a 16-page supplement containing full reports, more pictures and the reflections of some of the record number of local athletes who took part in the absolutely awesome event.