Ironman Wales continues to demonstrate its growing popularity following record athlete numbers in 2018 by reaching the fastest sell-out in the event’s nine-year history, less than four months after entries opened for the 2019 edition.

Ironman Wales is one of Wales’ premier sport events and is fast gaining a reputation globally as one of the world’s most prestigious Ironman races in a series of over 40 events spanning six continents.

2018 was an unprecedented year for the event, selling out in early August 2018, reaching a record athlete field while also attracting the biggest spectator crowds in the event’s history. Along with being widely touted as one of the most challenging Ironmanraces in the world, IronmanWales is also recognised as being one of the best supported races globally, with local spectators coming out in force while thousands more from further afield travel to Tenby to be part of the celebrations.

Following the 2018 edition, Tenby was dubbed the ‘Iron Town’ in an article by the New York Times in reference to the way in which the town has fully embraced the Ironman event and the direct impact the event has had on the town.

The enthusiasm of the local supporters is certainly felt by the athletes, so much so that Ironman Wales was voted by athletes as having the Best Race Venue in Europe, and in the top five globally.

“Ironman Wales is a special event, not only for athletes, but also for the people of Tenby and Pembrokeshire. We know that it is already an event of choice for many current and aspiring athletes but for the race to be fully subscribed barely four months after entries opened is phenomenal. We are delighted that this race has such a significant impact on both the athlete community as well as the host region,” said Sam Brawn, Ironman Wales race director.

“Our goal is to stage an event that gives athletes an experience they will never forget while giving the people of Pembrokeshire and Tenby something to be proud of. Our team is hard at work, together with Pembrokeshire County Council, to make sure Ironman Wales continues to live up to its illustrious reputation and we look forward to another unforgettable race in a special part of the world this September.”

This year’s Ironman Wales takes place in Tenby on Sunday, September 15. The race consists of a 2.4-mile swim on North Beach followed by a 112-mile bike through the Pembrokeshire countryside finishing with a 26.2-mile run through the streets of Tenby.

As part of the IronmanWales weekend, Ironkids Wales takes place Saturday, September 14. Limited entries for Ironkids Wales are still available at www.ironman.com/wales.