Pembrokeshire Sporting Events
Cycling events, marathons, triathlons and more
Pembrokeshire is the perfect destination for a range of exciting local sporting events. From the Pembrokeshire and Tenby marathons to cycling events, triathlons and family-friendly competitions, there’s something for everyone - whether you’re competing, spectating or enjoying Welsh sporting events as part of an active getaway.
West Wales is an ideal playground for outdoors activities as its rugged landscape lends itself well to hiking, running, surfing, swimming, cycling and more. Recent years have seen a surge in athletic activities with Ironman Wales and Long Course Weekend in Tenby, but there’s more to Pembrokeshire sports events than just triathlon. Check out these family sporting events in the area.
Triathlons in Pembrokeshire
Ironman Wales
Ironman Wales is one of the most famous endurance events in the country and is arguably the hardest Pembrokeshire triathlon you could enter. 2,500 athletes take on the mammoth course that has earned Tenby the nickname, “IronTown”. Boasting some of the most enthusiastic crowds in West Wales sport, the atmosphere is unbeatable so make sure to add this one to your bucket list - even if only as a spectator!
In just 17 hours, participants must complete a 2.4-mile sunrise swim at North Beach, a gruelling 112-mile bike course and a marathon ending in Tenby’s town centre buzzing with supporters.
Rise early to join the crowds lining the zig-zags of North Beach for the singing of the Welsh national anthem before athletes take to the water at 7am. The hilly cycle leg passes through rural Pembrokeshire with spectator hotspots being Narberth, Carew, and St Brides Hill in Saundersfoot, (aka Heartbreak Hill); one of the most intense climbs on the course. Crowds emerge in droves to cheer on tired athletes as they complete the marathon and pass the finish line in the heart of Tenby.
Taking place annually in September, Ironman Wales will be held on Sunday 21st September 2025. Browse our Ironman Wales accommodation for somewhere to stay.
Coastal Cottages Ironman Wales Accommodation
IRONMAN Wales consists of a 2.4-mile sea swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a full 26.2-mile marathon - all in one day! This world-famous event takes place in Tenby, on the stunning Pembrokeshire coast and hosts over 2,000 athletes competing in the event and some 8,000 visitors who will accompany athletes or come to watch this spectacular event.
Long Course Weekend
Taking place between 27th and 29th June 2025, Long Course Weekend in Tenby is the biggest multisport event in Europe. Encompassing one of the best Pembrokeshire marathons, an epic sea swim and a huge cycle leg; this three-day Pembrokeshire sports festival attracts some 12,000 athletes and 36,000 supporters.
For family sporting events, Long Course Weekend is in another league with something for everyone. Take on the full distances of each discipline (2.4-mile swim, 112-mile cycle, 26.2-mile marathon) and compete for the coveted fourth medal or pick and choose from the variety of sporting events on offer across the weekend as there are shorter distances also available (1.2-mile swim, 42-mile & 70-mile cycles, half marathon, 10k and 5k). There’s even LCKinder, a kids' splash-n-dash event, encouraging children’s sports from a young age.
Each leg takes place on different days; swim on Friday, cycle on Saturday and run on Sunday, making it easier to plan your viewing spots as a spectator. As with Ironman Wales, the best place to view the swim is from the zigzags overlooking Tenby North Beach - get there early and you can watch LCKinder too.
The cycle kicks off early on Saturday with waves of cyclists departing from 7am, complete with blaring music and fireworks - a lively start! Sunday is run day and while spectators line the entire course, the best spot is easily the red carpet finish complete with massive crowds. Expect mammoth crowds, bouncing music and fireworks galore.
Coastal Cottages Long Course Weekend Accommodation
Pembrokeshire plays host annually to one of the most difficult triathlons in Wales – the Long Course Weekend. This unique event lasts three days, now in June, accommodating some of the best triathlon talent in the UK and the world, including a number of IRONMAN UK athletes, serving as the perfect preparation and build-up to the IRONMAN Wales event in September.
The Wales Triathlon
The Wales Triathlon, hosted by Activity Wales Events, is a middle-distance triathlon in Pembrokeshire that’s ideal for both new and experienced athletes. Held annually in June in Fishguard, this event is set for Sunday 15th June 2024 and encompasses a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile cycle and a half marathon.
The swim leg takes place in Fishguard Harbour alongside Goodwick Sands making the promenade the best place for spectators. The bike leg begins in Fishguard following an out-and-back route to St Davids then the tough run leg consists of 4 laps between Goodwick and Fishguard along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, with a Samba band en route to keep momentum at a high! The red carpet finish is the place to be with a bar and street food on offer.
If you fancy giving this one a go but aren’t sure you can manage these distances, check out The Fishguard Triathlon. This sprint-distance Pembrokeshire triathlon is held on the same day with the same start and finish lines, but shorter distances! With a 950-metre swim, a 30-mile cycle and a 3-mile run; it’s perfect for beginners.
Saundersfoot Triathlon
Complete a 750-metre swim, a 20k cycle and a 5k run to receive your Saundersfoot Triathlon medal before heading to one of the many pubs and restaurants in Saundersfoot for a celebratory pint. This Pembrokeshire sporting event may be short in distance but it is big in support, with crowds cheering you on through the whole village.
Held annually in September, the next edition takes place on Friday 19th September 2025 and begins with a mass start at Saundersfoot Beach, followed by the 1-lap bike course to Templeton, then a run through the disused railway tunnels to finish on the red carpet in Saundersfoot Harbour.
Great for newcomers, the support you’ll see at Saundersfoot Triathlon is unmatched with an entire crowd cheering you along every step of the way. Other spectator spots include Wisemans Bridge Beach and Coppet Hall Beach.
Cycle Events in Pembrokeshire
Tour of Pembrokeshire
Attracting cyclists from all over the world, the Tour of Pembrokeshire is a must-do event held annually in May. The St Davids peninsula serves as an outstanding location with breathtaking scenery, wonderful natural history and stunning sandy beaches.
To suit all abilities, the course starts and finishes at Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi with 25, 60 and 105-mile options with routes taking in the quiet lanes and open hills of North Pembrokeshire coastline. The best place to watch is in St Davids where the streets are bustling with crowds all day long.
Taking place on Saturday 24th May 2025, this Pembrokeshire sports event is ideal for athletes and for those supporting, as there’s plenty to do while you wait for your loved ones to return such as visiting St Davids Cathedral.
The Wales Sportive
Enter The Wales Sportive as part of the Long Course Weekend or as a standalone event. As far as Pembrokeshire cycling events go, this is easily one of the best with three distances available attracting different abilities.
Choose from 40-mile, 70-mile and 112-mile options; all start in Tenby and snake through South Pembrokeshire passing by famous locations such as Freshwater West Beach, Carew and Narberth. Held annually in June, this event will be taking place on Saturday 28th June 2025.
Marathons in Pembrokeshire & Other Run Events
The Wales Marathon
Also part of the Long Course Weekend and available as a standalone entry (perfect if you’re not interested in swimming or cycling), is The Wales Marathon. Held on the Sunday of the three-day sports festival in Wales, this 26.2-mile run begins in Tenby and follows a circular route through Pembroke, Freshwater East and Manorbier.
Every day at Long Course Weekend comes with big finish line crowds but Sunday is particularly special, celebrating the end of the marathon and the end of three days of endurance sport for those who have taken on the Full Long Course Weekend challenge.
Fireworks and bouncing music create an electric athlete village complete with shops, street food and a bar. Stick around from start to finish to livestream the event on the big screen after watching the prize ceremonies and athlete parade.
Wild West Ultramarathon
If you’re looking to up your game, the Wild West Ultramarathon is one to try. Crossing National Trust trails and the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, this 40-mile mixed terrain run takes place annually in June with a 2025 date yet to be announced.
Hosted by the Narberth Nobbler team, this is a Pembrokeshire marathon with a difference starting and ending at the Stack Rocks car park in Castlemartin. The route is not fully-marked and it is recommended to use the GPX file to aid with navigation.
The Wales Half Marathon and 10k
Arguably the most challenging Pembrokeshire half marathon, The Wales Half Marathon begins in Pembroke and ends in Tenby, following a somewhat hilly route along the way. Athletes parade down Main Street in Pembroke to the start line, led by an enthusiastic samba band who really know how to get the crowd going.
The course flows through Manorbier, where The Wales 10k athletes will start from, following the same route into Tenby. Both events are part of the Long Course Weekend, set to take place on Sunday 29th June 2025, with routes that make up part of the full marathon held on the same day.
Pembrokeshire Swimming Events
The Wales Swim
If triathlons aren’t for you but swimming is a passion, The Wales Swim is a must. An iconic race in Pembrokeshire, athletes can choose between a 1.2 and a 2.4-mile swim held at Tenby North Beach each June. A party atmosphere fills the beach at the start line with fireworks and music and 1000 athletes participate.
Children's Sporting Events in Pembrokeshire
LCKinder
LCKinder is the opening event for Long Course Weekend, where children aged 4-11 can take part in their very own competition. Tackling a surf run followed by a run across North Beach to the finish line, all children are given a medal and are met with the brilliant cheering crowds that Tenby can offer.
Where to stay for Pembrokeshire Sporting Events
If you’re heading to Pembrokeshire for a sports event, Coastal Cottages has the perfect accommodation in Pembrokeshire for you. And to help prepare, why not look into our training breaks?
