Ironman Wales 2014

There is just 1 more sleep until 2000 people take to the streets and seas of Tenby and surrounding area for this years Ironman Wales 2014. This will be the 4th year Pembrokeshire has hosted this event and it has grown massively over the last 4 years. It includes a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride and a 26.2 mile run and competitors have 17 hours to complete it in, assuming they have completed each stage in the time allocated. There are different opinions about the weekend as it does involve a lot of road of closures on Sunday, and there have been attempts made in the past to sabotage the event, including putting tacks on the bike route. I admit the road closures can be frustrating, but you need to look on the positive side and see the people, atmosphere and revenue it brings to the area, people from all over the world attend this event and many locals also now take part in it.  As well as the main Ironman there is also Ironkids which is held today, and includes children taking part in a run, and then this year they get to cross the official Ironman finish line. Anyone from the age of 3 can take part in this event and in total 750 children will be participating. Last year I actually got into Tenby for the 7am start with the swim, the atmosphere on the day is absolutely amazing, there is massive support for the competitors, lots of screaming, clapping, cheering and also tears.  I'm pleased to say I will be going into Tenby again this Sunday and can't wait to see it, even though it does mean getting up very early! What I like is you don't have to be in Tenby to see it, you get plenty of opportunities to see the bike ride and run from plenty of places in South Pembrokeshire, I know lots of villages now make a big effort to take part in the event, and I really would encourage you to see it for yourself if you haven't done so already, and for those naysayers out there who don't like the occasion, you can always have a weekend away somewhere or stay at home and join in with the crowds, you never know might actually get to like it! 

Good luck to all the competitors, rather you than me!