Triathlons and endurance events in Tenby & Pembrokeshire

Pembrokeshire is becoming an increasingly popular location for triathlons and endurance events, with many people flocking to the area to challenge themselves amongst stunning terrain.  

The rolling landscapes and juxtaposition of the coastline make the region perfect for holding both small and large-scale endurance events such as 10k runs, triathlon events and marathons, with the jam-packed events calendar punctuated by the annual showstopper of the IRONMAN Wales event.

Many use the other smaller events in the calendar as training for the larger events – such as IRONMAN, or Long Course Weekend, which traditionally takes place in July. Lots of events which have been running for several years are seeing increased entry numbers and higher profiles, due to the increase in enthusiasm and participation in endurance events nationally.

Whether you’re a seasoned triathlete or a first-timer, let’s take a close look at the types of events that you can compete in when visiting West Wales. Why not stay with us in the heart of the action with one of our comfortable Tenby cottages? 

IRONMAN Wales

Photo credit: IRONMAN

Consisting of a 2.4-mile (3.86km) swim, a 112-mile (180.25km) cycle ride and a marathon 26.22-mile (42.20km) run, IRONMAN Wales is the epic event that serious endurance competitors and locals alike look forward to on a yearly basis.

Held in Tenby since 2011, the event actually spans a vast majority of South Pembrokeshire, taking in roads from Tenby, out towards Pembroke, up to Narberth and back through Wiseman’s Bridge and Saundersfoot, finishing in illuminated glory, on the famous Tenby Esplanade.

If IRONMAN is considered one of the most gruelling endurance triathlon events in the world, Tenby is often cited as one of the toughest IRONMAN courses out there. But it is a day to be enjoyed, and local support is always on point, with crowds there every step of the way to cheer on the 2,000+ competitors.

CARTEN100

The popular CARTEN100 is a fun charity cycle ride that takes place roughly over 10 hours as hundreds of participants take a leisurely cycle from Cardiff, ending up in the beautiful seaside town of Tenby. 

Open to all ages and abilities, everyone is encouraged to ‘have a go’ having undertaken at least some training - as although it is a fun and rewarding event, it is also challenging.

Parts of the route are often filled with supporters cheering on the riders and the finish in Tenby is always full of fun and laughter. 

Long Course Weekend

Photo credit: Long Course Weekend

The Long Course Weekend is set on the west coast of Wales in Pembrokeshire, with Tenby once again playing the main host. The event follows the basic IRONMAN event principle, but splits the individual swim, cycle and run up into individual events that take place on subsequent days.

As such, the event attracts over 10,000 athletes – which is around four times the size of IRONMAN – and around 35,000 supporters from 45 nations, over the three days of competition. Within the events, the organisers also host ‘The Wales Marathon’, ‘Half Marathon’, ’10k’ and ‘5k’ events, which allows for multi-discipline participation which really tests each athlete, regardless of their chosen distances.

Traditionally an early July event, many competitors descend on Tenby to make the most of the unique course layout in preparations for IRONMAN or other long-endurance events they may be taking part in.

Why not stay in one of our Tenby hot tub cottages for a good soak after all the excitement? We also have an excellent range of cottages for short breaks in Pembrokeshire and cottages in Tenby for all your supporters to stay in.

TenFoot Swim

Photo credit: TenFoot 

The TenFoot Swim is a popular coastal charity event that takes place in the summer. The start of the swim is set against the picturesque backdrop of Tenby's North Beach and swimmers start their journey from this pretty spot and finish on beautiful Coppet Hall Beach in Saundersfoot. The course covers a 5.5km long-distance open sea swim and all proceeds from the event go to charity.

Pembrokeshire Coast Triathlon

Awarded British Triathlon event of the year in 2015, the Pembrokeshire Coast Triathlon takes you through spectacular scenery in St Brides Bay, in the heart of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

An Olympic-distance event, with a 1.5km swim, 43km bike ride and a 10.6km run, this Pembrokeshire triathlon is particularly popular with relay teams. Including a swim that’s never further than 200 metres from the shore, a challenging and hilly cycle and a run along the beach and coast path, this is one of the best events for soaking up the beautiful Pembrokeshire views.

Stay in one of our hot tub cottages in Pembrokeshire for a well-deserved soak after all that effort. We also have a great range of cottages in Pembrokeshire for all your supporters to stay in too. 

Saundersfoot Triathlon

Photo credit: Saundersfoot Triathlon

A brilliant event for athletes of all abilities, the Saundersfoot Triathlon is a sprint event, so it includes a 750-metre swim, a 20km bike ride and a 5k run. The triathlon takes in sea views and scenic runs, along with incredible community support.

The triathlon begins with a mass start on the beach, where you head into the water on Saundersfoot Beach to swim anti-clockwise between two buoys. Then it’s onto the two-lap bike route before you come back into Saundersfoot. The run heads out through the short tunnels and along the seafront before returning to Saundersfoot to complete the course in front of the cheering crowd.

Stay with us in West Wales

Whether you’re planning on a short and sweet stay for a sprint triathlon, or you want to make a holiday of preparing for and competing in, an IRONMAN-distance event, we have plenty of fantastic holiday cottages in West Wales where you can base yourself for a sporty getaway. 

Stay close to the courses and have somewhere close by where you can refuel and relax before conquering your next event.