By Ellie Gosley
Copyright walesonline
Thousands of athletes are taking over a Welsh seaside town for a gruelling sports event. Endurance race Ironman Wales is returning to Tenby, Pembrokeshire, on Sunday, September 20.
The course is renowned for being one of the toughest on the Ironman circuit but is also incredibly beautiful due to Pembrokeshire’s hilly landscape and has earned the destination the nickname “Iron Town”.
The Tenby course is also famous for its spectator support and amazing scenes such as those last year when the thousands of athletes sung Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau on the beach as has become tradition.
The day will begin with a 2.4-mile swim which starts at the famous North Beach. Once out of the water athletes will head out on a 112-mile bike ride which will take them through the scenic countryside of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park including past the numerous castles and iconic landmarks – which even acted as a backdrop to the Harry Potter films.
The event will then finish off with a 26.2-mile run course which takes participants through the medieval town centre and back to the picturesque beachfront.
Welsh rugby legend Shane Williams will be taking on Ironman once again. He claims it’s the closest thing he can now get to playing international rugby for Wales.
Follow our live updates from the event below
