IRONMEN and IRONWOMEN WE SALUTE YOU.
Runners from all over the world competed at the Ironman Wales in Tenby on the weekend and there were many athletes entered from West Wales and some familiar faces from the Cardigan-Newcastle Emlyn area. These are truly amazing people who in the eyes of Sportsline and many others- are all winners.
Tom Jones of Aberporth and manager of the Aldi store in Cardigan achieved his goal by getting home in under twelve hours (11.44) and the former Cardigan Town footballer commented:”I came to Tenby for a sub 12 and experienced a few issues along the way but I am so happy with the result.
“Conditions were great but the pedals didn’t turn themselves!
“I can’t thank the support enough especially when it got dark towards the second half of the marathon. Couldn’t do any of this without the support of my partner Donna Phillips and family and friends.
“Congratulations to everyone who got around. It was an epic day”!
West Coast Triathlon teammate Michael Burton was well pleased with his personal best time of 12;21 and the following morning said:”I honestly think if I got hit by a bus I’d be in less pain!
“This event never gets easier, happy to wake up to a PB today with a time of 12hrs 21, can’t believe what I have done this year and seem to keep coming back for more, massive thank you for all the support and encouragement, too many to list but a special mention to my amazing wife Emma Louise Burton who I think personally loves it more than me!
“Now time for a fry up”!
Steven Hicks a footballer with Newcastle Emlyn smashed last years swim time in the morning by 20 minutes and finished with a fantastic overall time of 12:44. Mark Baggott a former NCE footballer crossed the line on 12:47 and a few of the other well known locals to compete were Scott Patrick with a lung busting 10:57, Edward Evans 11:00, Richard ‘Tank’ Smith 13:09 and Rhys Harries 11:06.
There were seven former Welsh international rugby players in the race including John Davies of Boncath with a time of 16:01 and former team mates in Shane Williams and Ryan Jones and former Wales stars Ian Gough, Andy Moore, Paul Arnold, and Chris Stephens. It was Stephens who was the fastest of the ex-rugby players with a time of 11:23 just beating twinkle toed winger Shane Williams by a few minutes.
They all successfully completed Ironman Wales 2016 which is made up of a gruelling 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2-mile marathon run.
THE MAIN EVENT: THE PROS!!
German Marc Duelsen was the eventual winner and this was his first Ironman Wales win and he edged out Englishman Philip Graves after he had led for most of the race
It was a similar story in the women’s event where the race was dominated by Jeanne Collonge, until just yards from the finish line when she was overtaken by Darbi Roberts (USA) and this was a first win for her too.
The Ironman Wales which was in its sixth year attracted 1,700 athletes, the biggest field so far with 40 pros at the start line.
The race took off at Tenby’s North Beach at 7:10 am with the swim start and five minutes later the different age groups got on their way and the event was watched by thousands of spectators .
Marc Duelsen eventually finished in 9:01:39 and Philip Graves was just behind him on 9:02:56, and Nick Baldwin completed the podium in 9:07:22.
Darbi Roberts took the women’s title over with an amazing time of 10:00:17 with Jeanne Collonge of France in second in 10:02:44, and third was Nikki Bartlett of GB in 10:09:15.
Just a few reactions and comments on Facebook from those closely involved.
“Wow massive congratulations to all athletes and spectators and supporters. Awesome day. Fantastic amazing vibe and an experience I will never forget. My hubby’s 1st ironman and it was amazing. Thank you Ironman and Tenby”
“Well done to all the organisers of this event. Had such an amazing experience and so did hubbie. You have done an amazing job. Thanks to all the staff and residents of Tenby, Saundersfoot and surrounding areas for their support and helping to create an amazing experience for all who compete and cheer”!
“Was amazing!!! Was my first marathon and my first IM…happy to came directly from Chile to do that!! Thanks Wales all your support”!!
Thank you Ironman Wales. Absolutely brilliant event, I loved it. Massive thanks to all the Ironman team, volunteers and the epic supporters of Pembrokeshire!
Well Done Tenby. Well Done Wales.
