The Mayor of Tenby has paid tribute to those taking part and organising Ironman Wales, stating that the event once again ‘ran’ smoothly.

Speaking at Tuesday night’s meeting of the town council, Mayor, Clr. Laurence Blackhall, told his colleagues that at times he’d found himself running out of ways of expressing how fabulous the Ironman event is, and how much it has become part of the town.

“Tenby, which is a beautiful place and community, certainly loves the Ironman event, and Ironman Wales has truly become part of this community, and long may it continue to be its natural home,” he remarked, stating that it was “truly humbling” to stand on the finishing line and hand out the medals, and also hear all the positive comments from competitors and supporters on how well the town and county hosts the event.

“I have a slight confession, that at 7 am when I stood at the Fourcroft Hotel when the sun was rising and the national anthem was being sung for the start of the swim, the Mayoress suggested that I had a tear in my eye... but it was just the wind!” joked Clr. Blackhall.

“The Ironkids event was fabulous, too, with 1,000 youngsters registered to take part, and aspiring to the heights of what was achieved the following day at Ironman.

“It was also great to see the Ironkids event given such support by former Welsh rugby internationals, Shane Williams, Ryan Jones and Ian Gough, and it was lovely to see them encouraging the children taking part,” he continued.

The Mayor also paid tribute to the hard work Pembrokeshire County Council had put into supporting the event and making sure that it stays in Tenby and the county in the future.

“The whole thing ran superbly, and we look forward to welcoming the Ironman again,” he added.

“The Ironman competitors want it to stay here for the next 30 years, there is no place like it, so let’s keep it here in Tenby,” agreed Clr. Trevor Hallett.