All you need to know about Ironman Wales’ return to Tenby and Pembrokeshire

Thousands of athletes are arriving in Tenby and the surrounding Pembrokeshire area this weekend for the annual Ironman Wales triathlon. The event, scheduled for Sunday, September 13, will feature 3,000 age-group competitors alongside professional athletes vying for a $100,000 prize pool and qualification slots for the 2027 Ironman World Championship.

The competition begins with a 2.4-mile swim at Tenby’s North Beach, followed by a 112-mile bike course through the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. The race concludes with a 26.2-mile marathon run. The route includes notable sections such as the zig-zag ramp in Tenby and the Heartbreak Hill climb near Saundersfoot.

Pre-race activities include a shakeout run on Friday and a sold-out Ironkids race for children aged 3 to 15 on Saturday.

Local officials and organizers have coordinated to manage the influx of spectators, which is expected to reach approximately 12,000 people along the route between Saundersfoot and New Hedges. Pembrokeshire County Councillor Chris Williams noted that additional toilet facilities and dedicated spectator areas have been established to accommodate the crowds. Efforts are also underway to manage litter, with local organizations such as the Saundersfoot Wombles and the Saundersfoot Rotary assisting with cleanup operations.

Authorities have implemented traffic restrictions and road closures to ensure public safety. Pembrokeshire Council has confirmed that essential access for carers will be maintained, and inquiries regarding specific access needs can be directed to the council.

Dyfed-Powys Police has established a temporary flight restriction zone for drones over Tenby to ensure public safety. The restriction prohibits unmanned aircraft from flying below 2,000 feet above sea level from 5:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 12, until 1:00 a.m. on Monday, September 14. Unauthorized drone operators may face prosecution and the seizure of their equipment.

Long-time spectators and local observers have urged the public to remain respectful of the athletes. Concerns have been raised regarding crowd behavior, specifically regarding spectators obstructing the course or interfering with competitors, which officials warn can pose significant safety risks to those participating in the endurance event.

Registration for the 2027 Ironman Wales event will open to participants at this year’s race from September 11 to 14, with general registration beginning on September 17.

Article and image source: tenby-today.co.uk