WINNERS of this year’s Ironman Wales event in Tenby will be recognised as national champions.
The race takes place on Sunday, September 3, and titles will be contested for in each age group from 19 to 90.
The announcement has been made by Welsh Triathlon and Ironman Wales who have said that it will only ‘enhance’ the race’s significance.
The event has continually grown in popularity since its inception with hundreds of people lining the streets of Tenby as they cheer on the many athletes who have taken on the Dragon.
The race starts on the iconic North Beach where crowds gather along the “zig zag” stairs to cheer athletes on.
For the first time ever, Welsh Triathlon have added an IRONMAN distance event to their ranks which already includes a sprint distance triathlon, a middle distance triathlon and a full distance triathlon amongst other disciples such as a duathlon.
“I am delighted that IRONMAN Wales will now offer the opportunity for Welsh triathletes to be recognised as a national champion within their age-group. IRONMAN Wales is already the most prominent and popular triathlon weekend in the country and incorporating this additional element will further enhance the race’s significance and enjoyment for our athletes.” says Rebecca Sutherland, IRONMAN Wales Race Director.
To be eligible for the Championship podium, you must be a valid member of Welsh Triathlon, and have entered IRONMAN Wales by midnight on the Sunday before race day. You can still secure your place at https://www.ironman.com/im-wales-register whilst tickets last.
Welsh Triathlon’s CEO, Beverley Lewis, said: “Welsh Triathlon is delighted to be partnering with Ironman to deliver our first ever Long Distance National Championship event. Ironman Wales is such an important part of the triathlon calendar in Wales for competitors and spectators alike, that to add the ability for Welsh Triathlon members to compete for a podium in Tenby is exciting”.
The course is challenging with an ocean swim and hilly bike and run legs which will see athletes battle it out over a 3.8km (2.4 mile) swim, 180.2km (112 mile) bike and 42.2km (26.2 mile) run.
