Deal agreed to keep Ironman in Wales – but competitors still in the dark about this year’s event

Katy Jenkins, local democracy reporter

Ironman will remain a Welsh sporting fixture with a new five-year deal agreed with Pembrokeshire council – but competitors still do not know if this year’s event will take place.

A new host sponsorship agreement with Ironman Ltd for a five year term from 2022 to 2026 has been approved by cabinet member for infrastructure, licensing and major events Cllr Phil Baker, in a delegated decision with head of infrastructure Darren Thomas.

The decision on whether Ironman will take place in Tenby on September 12 is due to be taken by the organisers on July 5, it is understood, with road closure permissions already in place.

A delegated decision report, published on July 2, states that as part of the arrangements Pembrokeshire County Council will pay £65,000 a year – £15,000 more a year than previously – as well as continuing to provide ‘in kind’ services.

“This sum will be set out in a legal agreement with Ironman, which is currently being finalised,” adds the report.

“Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority have also been approached to partly support this contribution with a request for £20,000.00 support. It is also proposed to write to Tenby Town Council for their continued support of £5000.00 a year.”

‘Global brand’

The event will be branded as ‘Ironman Wales Pembrokeshire/Ironman Cymru Sir Benfro’ and the support provided by the council includes waiver of fees for street care and parking consents, road closure administration fee waivers, cleaning operations and dedicated officer assistance on race day.

The discussion has been made because “Ironman Wales Pembrokeshire is recognised as an international event backed by a global brand that helps promote Pembrokeshire as a County. The County has successfully hosted the event since 2011 and this proposal will secure the event for a further 5 years until 2026,” adds the report.

The Ironman Wales is part of the Ironman World Series of the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC), and has run since September 11, 2011. It involves 3.86 km of swimming, 180.2 km of cycling and 42.195 km of running.