On the eve of the sixth Ironman Wales event , the organisers and Pembrokeshire County Council reached an agreement which will see it return again next year.
And negotiations are in hand which, if successful, will guarantee the competition’s future until 2021 – its tenth anniversary.
Starting and finishing in Tenby, the gruelling event takes place this weekend and comprises a 2.4 mile swim off North beach, a 112-mile bike race around South Pembrokeshire followed by a marathon (26.2 miles).
Around 2,000 men and women are taking part and it is estimated the race is worth around £3.5 million to the local economy.
The Council’s Cabinet Member for Transportation and Major Events, Councillor Rob Lewis said: “With the help of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, we are delighted to announce that Ironman Wales will be returning to Pembrokeshire in 2017.
“Our goal now is to secure its future for another four years after that – right up until 2021 which would be the event’s tenth anniversary – and negotiations are underway on that basis.”
Next year’s Ironman Wales will be on Sunday, 10th September.
Kevin Stewart, Managing Director of Ironman UK & Ireland commented: “We are very pleased to be able to confirm the date for next year’s race. This is a very special event, that has earned its reputation as one of the best on the circuit as a result of the phenomenal welcome and atmosphere the entire county brings.”
On site entries for 2017 will open at 9.30 am at the Merchandise Stand, Five Arches, Tenby, on Monday (19th September) followed by online entries opening at 3 pm via www.ironman.com/wales.
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