South Pembrokeshire witnessed colourful sporting scenes for The Long Course Weekend.

A total of 8,500 athletes from around the world descended upon Tenby to swim, cycle and run around the scenic courses to roaring crowds.

A firework show opened the Wales Swim on North Beach on Friday, with 2,200 swimmers entering the water to take on either the 1.2 or 2.4-mile course.

Australian Ollie Signorini was first male out of the water with a time of 42:35, second was Macedonian Evegenij Pop Acev in 43:00, and third was Lloyd Rosewell.

Olympian Jazz Carlin was first female in 46:49, second was pro swimmer Sophie Evans and third was Joanna Davies with a time of 53:19.

Jazz Carlin later tweeted: “I had to swerve a few massive jellyfish, but I loved doing The Wales Swim in Tenby. So much fun.”

The Wales Sportive on Saturday saw 2,800 cyclists released in waves onto the Pembrokeshire roads to cycle either the full 112-mile route, 66 miles or 45 miles through scenic coastline to finish in Tudor Square where supporters lined the streets to welcome the athletes in.

Sunday was run day to round off the three-day triathlon event.

The weather was incredible, so made for very hot conditions for the 3,500 athletes who ran around Pembrokeshire either completing a full marathon, half marathon, 10k or 5k.

The Wales Marathon started and ended in Tudor Square, The Wales Half Marathon participants spectacularly left Pembroke Castle with a Samba Band parade to start the race, while the Wales 10k from Manorbier Castle and the 5k from Tenby with all runners crossing the grand red carpet to claim their medals watched by phenomenal crowds cheering them on.

Many athletes chose to finish their race down the run with a loved one channel crossing the finish line with their families making for great scenes. And there was even a marriage proposal at the finish line!

Tenby Aces member Richard Gardiner was crowned Wales Marathon champion, finishing the difficult course in 2:45, Matt Price came second with a time of 2:52 and Michael Bryant third, finishing with an impressive time of 2:54.

The overall full Long Course Weekend title was successfully defended by Sweden’s Marcus Hultgren, who has now won Long Course Weekend two years in a row, finishing with a time of 9:15, marathon winner Richard Gardiner took second place with a time of 9:34 and in third place for LCW 2017 was Philip Wilson with a finishing time of 9:42.

“It was awesome to be back in town,” said Marcus Hultgren. “People are so nice in Tenby and they recognised me and supported me. I’m really happy to be able to defend the tittle!”

So will Marcus be back to attempt the hat-trick?

“Haha everybody asks me that! I need to let this win sink in first.”

Long Course Weekend 2017 female winner was Parys Edwards. Parys is from South African and Long Course Weekend was her first ever marathon. She finished the course in 10:03. Second female LCW athlete was Jill Cliff with a finishing time of 10:49 and third was taken by Rebecca Bennett with a time of 10:50.

A physio in London, Parys Edwards told us: “The LCW never fails to deliver and this year was no exception. It’s always a favourite event of mine. I have attended the last three years, but injury prevented me from doing the full marathon. I targeted this event for the win and am absolutely delighted with how the race went. Perfect swim conditions, much kinder weather then last year for the bike and simply the best support to get me around the run.

“It’s a special event and I think that has much to do with the people of Tenby and how much they love sport.

“Well done to everyone finishing the LCW and my heartfelt thanks to Matt and the Activity Wales Events team, to all the marshals and volunteers and to the amazing supporters for making this such a special weekend.

“I hope to return in September to race the Ironman and I would love to be back next year to defend my title.”

And maintaining their record of having taken part in every one of the eight Long Course Weeekends were Nicky Rees and Stephen Rogers.

“The weather was amazing and the crowds of supporters even better,” said Matthew Evans, race director from event organisers, Activity Wales Events.

“Long Course Weekend in Wales will be back in 2018 on July 13, 14 and 15, and entries for next year are now open.”

The Long Course Weekend will head to Australia (October 27, 28 and 29) and Mallorca (November 3, 4 and 5), with entries for both races open now at http://www.lcwjervisbay.com/ abd http://www.lcwmallorca.com/en