One of the biggest international sporting events is set to take place in Pembrokeshire this weekend. The Ironman Wales triathlon - perhaps the most gruelling endurance race in the world - will be held in and around Tenby on Sunday. More than 10,000 spectators are expected to visit the resort town and surrounding area on to cheer on the 2,000 plus competitors. This year, more than 205 of the entrants are from Pembrokeshire – one of the highest proportions worldwide of local competitors in Ironman events. Pembrokeshire residents boast an astonishing 180 athletes per hundred thousand population, compared to a UK average of just 11. To ensure that the event runs smoothly and is another success, Pembrokeshire County Council has again authorised a number of road closures for the day. The closures can be found on an easy-to-use interactive online map as part of a new website http://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/ironman">www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/ironman This is the fourth year in which Ironman Wales has been held in the County. Last year it attracted some 1,600 competitors and boosted the local economy by some £3 million. "We are thrilled to support Ironman Wales again this year," said Clr. Rob Lewis, Cabinet Member for Transportation and Major Events. "It's a fantastic event which the people of Pembrokeshire have embraced in greater numbers every year, and is a wonderful chance to put our county on the map." The Ironman triathlon is one of the most arduous sporting events in the world. Competitors having to swim 2.4 miles, cycle 112 miles and run a complete 26.2 mile marathon - all without a break. The event starts at 7 am when competitors enter the sea at North Beach for the swimming leg of the triathlon. Once out of the water they then embark on a bike ride across the south of the County before the final marathon stage through Tenby. Clr. Lewis said that because of the nature of the event, there were likely to be gaps in time between the first competitors home and the last, necessitating road closures for much of the day in some areas. "We've had fantastic support from local residents over the last three years, and we are hoping for the same great level of support this year," he said. To view the digital map, visit http://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/ironman">www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/ironman Tenby Leisure Centre and the Civic Amenity Site and Recycling Centre at The Salterns, Tenby, will both be closed on the day.