Yesterday, the World Triathlon Corporation formally announced the addition of a new Ironman series race to the schedule starting in 2011. The new Ironman Wales triathlon will take place on Sunday, September 11, 2011 in village of Tenby in Pembrokeshire, Wales. It was confirmed that Ironman UK will also be taking place earlier in the year in Bolton, making this the second Ironman race in the United Kingdom the calendar year.
Located on Wales' southwest coast, Pembrokeshire is known for the breathtaking landscape of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, featuring miles of sandy beaches and a spectacular coastline.
Triathlon: Ironman Wales
When: Sunday, September 11, 2011
Where: Tenby, Wales, United Kingdom
Divisions: Professional, Age Group
Website: www.ironmanwales.com
The new race will be the eight Ironman race in Europe and will have 50 qualifying slots to the Ironman World Championship taking place in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
The event is set to be taking place in the village of Tenby with the start of the race at South Beach. Athletes will swim 3.8K in the waters of Camarthen Bay before taking on a 2-loop 180K bike course through the scenic countryside of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, passing numerous castles and iconic landmarks. The medieval town walls and picturesque beachfront will provide an impressive backdrop for the 42.2K marathon through Tenby. Course details are being finalized.
The offficial website www.ironmanwales.com is set to launch soon and that will be the day registration opens. As of right now it's still down, so keep checking for further event details and registration.
This race becomes the second iron distance race announcement for the United Kingdom in the last few weeks. Not long ago the new Challenge Henley-on-Thames race was announced for September as well. We will have to see what happens as the UK market will now have 6 iron distance triathlon events scheduled.
