Ahead of this weekend’s event in Tenby and across the the county - Ironman®, and Pembrokeshire County Council are pleased to announce that an agreement has been reached to extend Ironman Wales’ stay in the county for a further five years, and will be back in the county on September 9, 2018.

Ironman Wales has become established not only as one of the toughest Ironman races in the world, but also one of the most iconic and celebrated events.

Since the inaugural event in 2011 the event has carved out a reputation for being one of the must-do events in the global Ironman series of over 30 races.

This has been largely due to the challenging yet spectacular course and the legendary spectator support from the people of Pembrokeshire.

Ironman Wales is rated by many who have raced as one of the world’s best races.

The decision to keep the race in Pembrokeshire will be wholly welcomed by the race organisers, athletes and the wider Pembrokeshire community who have made the event their own in the way that it is celebrated in the county.

In the most recent athlete survey, 99 per cent of athletes surveyed who raced at Ironman Wales in 2016 indicated that they enjoyed their time in the county.

Ironman Wales has also become a major tourism boost for the county attracting over 2200 athletes annually who in turn travel with an average of 4.6 supporters and stay for an average of 4.8 nights over the duration of the event. This translates into an estimated 59 000 bed nights in the region.

“We are delighted to be extending Ironman Wales’ stay in Pembrokeshire for the next five years,” said Lisa Dent, Ironman Wales Race Director

“We have watched this race grow into one of the most sought-after race destinations in the world and the roles of Pembrokeshire County Council, the Pembrokeshire business community and Pembrokeshire community at large in the success of the event, cannot be overstated.

“Ironman Wales has become a flagship event on the Ironman UK and Ireland event calendar and we, together with Pembrokeshire County Council, the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, and the local business community are intent on establishing the event as a race of choice for athletes from around the UK and the world,” she added.

Welcoming the announcement, the Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, David Simpson, said: “Ironman Wales, Pembrokeshire is recognised as an international event backed by a global brand that helps promote Pembrokeshire as a County.

“Pembrokeshire County Council is very happy to be involved as it makes a significant contribution to the local economy. The County has successfully hosted the event since 2011 and this agreement will secure the event for further five years until 2021.”

The 2018 edition of Ironman Wales, Pembrokeshire will take place Sunday, September 9 2018 and general entries will open September 18 .

For more details, visit the event website, www.ironman.com/wales.Pics. Gareth Davies Photograpy