Pembrokeshire played host to the 14th edition of Ironman Wales as athletes converged on Tenby for an incredible day of racing.

Athletes and spectators alike were out in full force as they lined the streets of Tenby ahead of a memorable swim start from North Beach. The swim got underway with the Welsh National anthem bellowed out in the natural amphitheatre around the sea wall, with fire cannons and fireworks as the athletes ran into the water.

Whilst the majority of the Ironman Wales field was from the UK, athletes from all over the world took on the race, from countries such as Ireland, the US and the Netherlands.

Nikki Bartlett ironman wales Tenby
Nikki Bartlett crossed the line first in the female category (Gareth Davies Photography)

The race saw Nikki Bartlett (GBR) and Henrik Goesch (FIN) claim victory with times of 09:45:37 and 08:31:31 respectively.

Athletes started with a two-loop 2.4-mile swim course from the famous North Beach in the seaside town of Tenby.

Crazy crowds along the long run up the "zig zag" ramp and into transition made this a once in a lifetime experience for all the athletes.

After a 1km transition run, they tackled the 112-mile bike course which took athletes through the scenic countryside of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

On the finish line, the Male Champion Henrik said: “It’s pretty cool! It’s my first time at Wales. I think I’ve earned my off season now!” Ironman Wales Tenby
On the finish line, the Male Champion Henrik said: “It’s pretty cool! It’s my first time at Wales. I think I’ve earned my off season now!” (Gareth Davies Photography)

They finished off the race with a four-loop 26.2-mile run through the medieval town walls and picturesque beachfront which were lined with tens of thousands of spectators that pushed athletes to the finish line to hear those words “YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!”.

On the finish line, the Male Champion Henrik said: “It’s pretty cool! It’s my first time at Wales. I think I’ve earned my off season now!”

The Female Champion Nikki said: “I feel on top of the world! Thank you everyone. It’s my favourite race. When the pro calendar comes out, I go straight down to see if Ironman Wales is a pro race. I make it my biggest race of the year, I love this place so much, the people, the spectators, the volunteers. Everyone here makes Tenby so special. Without you guys, this wouldn’t be the same.”

General registration for the 15th Anniversary Edition of Ironman Wales, taking place next year on Sunday, September 19, opens on Thursday, September 17 this year.