From Ironkid to Ironman - well done to Rhys Emanuel of Pentlepoir who has grown up with the sporting event, quite literally since its start.

Back in 2014 he completed his first Ironkids event in Tenby; whilst last year he was the youngest competitor to complete Ironman Wales.

This year as a member of the Tenby Penguins running club, he completed the course in 11hrs 25 mins knocking a whole 1hr 25mins off last year’s time.

Coming 7th in his overall age category, he was also awarded Gold medal becoming Welsh Tri champion for the under 20 years age category.

Rhys Emanuel of Pentlepoir who has grown up with the sporting event, quite literally since its start.
Rhys after completing Ironkids in 2014 (Sian Emanuel)

Rhys is pictured taking part in his first Ironkids and at the 2026 event held on September 13.

Pembrokeshire played host to the 14th edition of Ironman Wales as athletes converged on Tenby for an incredible day of racing on Sunday, September 13.

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.

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.

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.

Rhys Emanuel of Pentlepoir who has grown up with the sporting event, quite literally since its start.
Rhys in Tenby running from swim transition to the bikes (Pic: Thea Lewis)

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

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!”

Rhys Emanuel of Pentlepoir who has grown up with the sporting event, quite literally since its start.
Rhys out on the cycle leg of Ironman 2026 (Pic: Thea Lewis)

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.”

The 15th Anniversary Edition of Ironman Wales, will take place next year on September 19.