From its spine-tingling Welsh National Anthem start, to its weary finale 17 hours later, Sunday’s Ironman Wales in Pembrokeshire lived up to its reputation as one of the best of its kind in the world,

Around 2,400 athletes ‘faced the dragon’ through a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike course and a 26.2 mile marathon, cheered on all the way by a massive army of supporters.

This was the 12th edition of the sold-out event, which saw GB age group athletes Pete Dyson and Anna Lawson claim victory in the male and female categories.

Ironman Wales female winner Anna Lawson is overwhelmed by her success.Ironman Wales female winner Anna Lawson is overwhelmed by her success. (Image: Getty Images for Ironman) In the hours that followed, their fellow athletes of all ages and abilities streamed down the red carpet finishing line on Tenby’s Esplanade, underneath the famous Ironman Wales arch.

There were many special moments at that location – not least for blind athlete Laura Whitaker who completed the course with her guide.

Splashing out for the 2.4 mile swim.Splashing out for the 2.4 mile swim. (Image: Getty Images for Ironman)

Tenby’s mayor, Cllr Dai Morgan – a former Ironman himself – was amongst the finishing line welcome party and said: 'Another absolutely marvellous event. My congratulations to all who took part, the spectators, volunteers and organisers.

Encouragement every inch of the way on the bike course.Encouragement every inch of the way on the bike course. (Image: Gareth Davies Photography) “Once again the atmosphere was electric and it just seems to get better and better each year. I look forward to next year.'

This was the final Ironman race in the UK this season and it kicked off with a one of the most goosebump inducing and electric swim starts in the global Ironman calendar.

Congratulations from Tenby's mayor, |Dai Morgan, for winner Pete Dyson.Congratulations from Tenby's mayor, Dai Morgan, for winner Pete Dyson. (Image: Gareth Davies Photography)

As the Welsh National anthem bellowed out into the sea, fire, smoke cannons and fireworks lined the way as the athletes ran into the water.

The two-loop 112-mile bike course took athletes through the scenic countryside of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, with the four-loop run course in and around Tenby. Winner Pete Dyson, who finished with a time of 09:34:24. said: “It was really really good! Such a hard course. Wales is amazing, a real bucket list race.”

Volunteers served refreshments with smiles.Volunteers served refreshments with smiles. (Image: Gareth Davies Photography) The first female across the line was Anna Lawson, in a time of 10:35:30.

Ironman Wales race director Rebecca Sutherland said: “We absolutely love racing in Wales and Tenby is a truly special location to host a world-renowned race like Ironman Wales.

The banners were out at Crew to spur the cyclists on their way.The banners were out at Carew to spur the cyclists on their way. (Image: Martin Cavaney Photography) “Sunday had the biggest crowds we’ve seen down at North Beach for the start, as thousands of spectators cheered on their athletes.

"The support continued long into the night with the finish line party helping people down the red carpet. Bring on next year!”

Ironman Wales returns to Pembrokeshire on Sunday September 21 2025.