Another electric atmosphere greeted Ironman Wales competitors on Sunday, with thousands of spectators lining the streets of Tenby and Pembrokeshire to cheer on almost 2,400 athletes taking part in the annual triathlon spectacle.

Professional Welsh-Irish opera singer Phil Gault had the honour of leading athletes and spectators in the singing of the Welsh National Anthem at the start of the race on the North Beach at 6.55 am, before he joined the competitors himself on embarking on the 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and 26.2 mile run for his first ever Ironman, which he completed in 13:20:56.

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 triathlon 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 Tenby and across Pembrokeshire.

On the finishing line, the Mayor of Tenby, Clr. Mrs. Sue Lane was on hand to give out the medals alongside Pembrokeshire County Council chairman Clr. Aden Brinn.

“It was another absolutely superb day,” said Clr. Mrs. Lane.

“I’ve spoken to so many people today, one from America, who say they only come here because they’ve had such good reports.

“I’ve always said Tenby is a small town with a big heart and that shows on a day like this.

“The people, the shops, pubs - everyone comes together and I’m thrilled,” she added.

Pembrokeshire County Council leader, Councillor David Simpson said: “Ironman Wales is recognised as an international event, backed by a global brand, that helps promote Pembrokeshire as a county.

“The popularity of Ironman Wales amongst both contestants and spectators knows no bounds, and we are very proud that our county provides such a spectacular and challenging backdrop to the event, as well as some of the most vociferous Ironman supporters in the world.”

The 2018 edition of Ironman Wales featured the event’s biggest ever starting field on a day that saw Great Britain’s Lucy Gossage win her third Ironman Wales title in what could be her final Ironman race in Wales; while South Africa’s Matt Trautman won his second Ironman title - his first since his win in Wales in 2014, barely a year and eight months after breaking his back in a serious accident!

“It was probably one of the most fun races I’ve done. I love that bike course, tough, fair, super hilly and on the run the support was unbelievable,” said Lucy Gossage.

“I’ve had lots of support before but (today) was very humbling and I think I just appreciated it a bit more. It’s an incredible race,” she added.

Male winner Matt Trautman said he was ‘ecstatic’.

“It’s unbelievable. Not even this morning did I think this would happen,” he said.

“My first Ironman win was here in 2014 and this is my second. It’s been a journey since that race in 2014. I’ve had a lot of obstacles thrown my way and to overcome them is great.

“The crowd support is amazing here and it’s definitely one of the reasons I came back. It’s a tough course but it’s so rewarding.”

Top 3 professional women - 1. Lucy Gossage (GBR) 09:52:37; 2. Camilla Pedersen (DEN) 10:05:41; 3. Nikki Bartlett (GBR) 10:14:43.

Top 3 professional men - 1. Matt Trautman (RSA) 08:53:21; 2. Phil Graves (GBR) 09:00:13; 3. Gustavo Iglesias (ESP) 09:09:50.

The 2019 edition of Ironman Wales takes place on September 15.

General entries for Ironman Wales 2018 opens 17 September 2018 on www.ironman.com/wales.