It seems only yesterday the first ever Wales Marathon was launched on the streets of Pembrokeshire, almost a year on, the long course weekend is back; bigger and stronger than anyone thought possible.

With over 2,000 athletes and 5,000 supporters travelling to Tenby this weekend - The Long Course weekend is now one of Wales' largest non-ticketed sporting events.

This year, the Expo has moved into the De Valence in Tenby and has major sporting brands such as Ceepo, 2XU, GU, Newton Running, Aqua Sphere supporting the likes of Mikes Bikes and Tri Excercise at the show. This will also be the main registration area for The Wales Swim, Sportive, The Wales Marathon, Half Marathon and Taff Kids.

Taff Kids is the newest addition to the Long Course weekend and will see up to 250 children swimming and running there way to Tudor Square in Tenby. All will get a t-shirt and a medal. The ages will range from five to 14!

The Wales Swim will take place on the South Beach tonight (Friday) at 6.30 pm and is expected to attract around 600 swimmers!

They will swim between 1.9k or 3.8 k distance and this will also be the Ironman course. So many locals will be able to stand on The Esplanade this September and be able to say "I've done that!"

The Wales Sportive takes place tomorrow (Saturday) and has a 112, 72 or 40 mile option - the 112 being again the Ironman route.

The Sportive starts in The Salterns car park and will finish in Tudor Square.

Please note the square will be closed to all traffic this weekend between 10.30 and 5 pm. The first rider is expected into the square at around 12.30.

The marathon and the half marathon will be run on Sunday under closed roads, the only marathon in the country that does.

Last year saw Manorbier winning the £1,000 community prize for the amount of people that came out and supported all the runners. This year, there has been rumblings that Narberth may take it on the bike day, but Tenby and Pembroke are looking to put on a bit of a show!

Seventeen different countries will be represented at this year's Long Course weekend, a huge feat in only its second year.

Some are raising money for excellent causes, some are coming to run there 300th or 500th marathon; all we now ask is that residents of Pembrokeshire clap, smile and encourage these extraordinary people and thank them for choosing Pembrokeshire for what will be the highlight of most of their sporting careers.

See inside for more details.