The Wales Swim - The ninth year of the Wales Swim took place at 7 pm on Friday, July 13, and was to no surprise nothing short of incredible yet again this year.

As the sun starts to set over Tenby’s stunning North Beach, the Samba Band kicks in and the entire bay is filled with over 2,200 nervous and excited athletes ready to take on the Pembrokeshire shores in one mass wave!

The athletes are challenged with either a 2.4-mile or 1.2-mile swim which includes all ages from 14-years-old up to the oldest athlete being 72.

With athletes travelling worldwide from 34 countries, Activity Wales Events ensures that the swim start is one to remember.

As the DJ counts down the intense moments before the swim, brightly coloured fireworks are released to mark the start of the amazing event.

The lead male swimmer Evgenij Pop-Acev came in at an incredible time of just 47 minutes 17 seconds.

After coming second in 2017, Pop-Acev went on to win the 2.4-mile Wales Swim.

The lead lady Julia Anderson was not far behind with an amazing time of 54 minutes 31 seconds.

Nathanial Harries came in to win the 1.2-mile swim with an impressive time of 26 minutes 25 seconds, closely followed by Rosie Llewellyn, who finished with a time of 27 minutes 18 seconds.

Thousands of spectators lined the beach sands, sea and stoned walls of Tenby to cheer on their loved ones and take in the phenomenal sight of 2,200 athletes flock into the sea.

The atmosphere was electric and you can’t help but feel inspired and on cloud nine as you walk away from the event.

2019 entries are already open by visiting http://www.thewalesswim.com/

The Wales Sportive

The Wales Sportive was a lovely sunny day for a bike ride.

With over 3,500 athletes out on the open road event departing from 7.15 am on Saturday, July 14.

With three different distances to choose from it was a great for all ages and abilities.

The 112-mile distance set off in waves from 7.15 am, while the 66-mile went at 10.15 am and the 45-mile ride departed the Salterns Car Park, Tenby, at 12.30 pm.

Fire balls and music set the athletes off on their long journey to the finish line, which includes a gruelling 76 hills to overcome along the way!

Each year, one athlete takes the crown for being ‘King of the hill’, a challenge to see who can make it up St. Brides (the most feared hill of the course) in the best time.

This year’s winner was Luke Dabbs with an impressive time of just 24 seconds took the crown!

The streets were bursting from corner to corner with spectator’s cheering these athletes on in the immense heat throughout the course.

Although many athletes claim it is one of the hardest routes they have completed, the beautiful scenic views and tremendous local support make it that little bit easier.

2019 entries are already open by visiting http://www.thewalessportive.com/

Wales Marathon, Wales Half Marathon, Wales 10k, Wales 5k

Over 4,000 athletes took place in one of four run events, including The Wales Marathon, Wales Half Marathon, Wales 10K and Wales 5k.

At every start line, the athletes are motivated, but the amazing Samba Band and then experience the red-carpet finish, with confetti cannons, fire balls, dancer’s, a DJ and the cheering crowd.

This year’s 5k male and female winners were Matthew Brunnock and Helen-Marie Davies, both junior competitors.

The 10k lead male was also won by a junior Joseph Reardon and female winner Paula Rutherford crossed the finish line just five minutes later.

The leading male for the half marathon Eamonn Kirk crossed the finish line with a time of one hour 20 minutes and 48 seconds, while female winner Carys Mai Hughes finished with the brilliant time of one hour 27 minutes and two seconds.

The winner of The Wales Marathon was won by local athlete Gareth Petts coming in at the phenomenal time of two hours 45 minutes and 57 seconds, The ladies marathon crown was won by UK athlete - Victoria Nealon in an incredible time of three hours and 18 minutes.

2019 entries are now open and you can register at http://www.thewalesmarathon.com