It's the event that always delivers and this year was no different, writes Fraser Watson.
 
With the build-up plagued by heavy storms and inclement weather, and hundreds of youngsters having to tackle wet conditions at the Ironman Kids event on Saturday, the rain relented on Sunday for Ironman Wales.
 
From the early hours car parks filled up, and by 7am, Tenby North Beach was packed with athletes and spectators before the national anthem resounded around the town. While sea conditions were noticeably calmer than 24 hours previously, the excess amount of surface water on the roads made the early stages of the 112-mile cycle difficult for all competitors. However, the puddles had largely evaporated by the final marathon leg, with the electric atmosphere now so synonymous to the event again to the fore as finishers hit the red carpet on Tenby's Esplanade right up until the 12pm deadline.
 

Ecclestone denies German pair

 
The professional winner was Britain's Lewis Ecclestone, who came home in 9:34:02. It was the quickest winning time since 2022, with German athlete and female winner Franziska Hofmann just over eight minutes behind (9:42:24). Her compatriot, Finn Von Schmeling, was third in 9:43:32.
 

Local athletes roared home

 
For the large crowds though, the day was about considerably more than simply the winners. Again, hundreds of Pembrokeshire entrants were cheered around the course, many now familiar faces in Tenby and others competing for the first time. There was plenty of famous names too, with Shane Williams among a host of former professional rugby players to take part.
 

For the large crowds though, the day was about considerably more than simply the winners. Again, hundreds of Pembrokeshire entrants were cheered around the course, many now familiar faces in Tenby and others competing for the first time.

A total of 22 Tenby Aces members were on the start line, with Scott Jones Malson the group's quickest finisher in 10:13:22. The well-known Mark Edwards completed his 28^th Ironman event at the age of 61, remarkably just eight days after taking part in the Nice version in France. Former Goodwick footballer Tom Jones finished the course for the fifth time, while Milford Haven school teacher Sean Thomas successfully negotiated his Ironman debut, raising more than £3,500 for Hywel Dda Health Charities in the process. Former GB triathlete Rhys Harries, ex-Whitland and Crymych scrum half Huw Rees, renowned endurance athlete Gwyndaf Lewis, and Narberth Nobblers stalwart Tim Plumb were just a few of  more local numerous more entrants to make it to the red carpet.

There was plenty of famous names too, with Shane Williams among a host of former professional rugby players to 'conquer' the Dragon in our county.

 

2026 entries are already open

 
'Heartbreak Hill' again proved one of the highlights, with hundreds gathering to help cyclists up the now infamous and arduous climb. It was a day that again affirmed the worth of Ironman Wales to this county, and already, organisers have said they've received a raft of entries for the next version on Sunday, September 13th next year.