Hofmann wins as thousands take on Ironman Wales

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Germany's Franziska Hofmann triumphed in the women's professional race as Tenby welcomed back Ironman Wales.

Britain's Rosie Wild came in second with compatriot Kate Phipkin third on a weekend in which more than 2,700 competitors line up alongside the elite women triathletes in Pembrokeshire for the 140.6 mile triathlon.

Lewis Eccleston triumphed in the men's event with Princess Shaddick the non-professional women's winner.

Widely regarded as one of the toughest races of its kind in the world, the course in west Wales challenged athletes with a choppy sea swim, more than 2,500m of elevation on the bike, and a marathon that was anything but flat.

The race began with 2.4mile swim, followed by a gruelling uphill transition via the Zig-Zag and through Tenby town to the bike racks.

From there, athletes traded goggles and wetsuits for cleats and aero helmets as they tackled a 112 mile bike course across Pembrokeshire, before lacing up their trainers for a 26.2 mile marathon.

The race slogan "Face the Dragon" has been inspired by the rugged coastline and unpredictable weather that forces 100s of athletes to withdraw each year.

Before the 2025 edition, race director Rebecca Sutherland said the event "is the jewel in the crown of our UK race season".

She added: "The Welsh spectator support throughout Tenby and Pembrokeshire is always incredible to witness. Athletes get to experience a challenging course with one of the best atmospheres on earth."

Those who made it to the finish line were rewarded with a trip up the infamous red carpet. First-timers had the chance to ring the bell to mark their achievement, before hearing the four words every endurance athlete longs for: "You are an Ironman!"

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"That's Ironman Wales in a nutshell" - Shane Williams explains exactly what faced him and the rest of the field in Tenby

Welsh sporting stars also joined the challenge with former British and Irish Lions men's wing Shane Williams and former Wales women's rugby international Sioned Harries among them.

Williams, who was racing in Tenby for the seventh time, told BBC Sport beferehand: "It's very infectious, this race. It fills the void from from the rugby and I just love the whole competition side of keeping fit mentally and physically."

Former Ireland rugby league and Leeds Rhinos player turned endurance athlete Luke Ambler also took part, alongside his close friend Jonny Mason.

Ambler was attempting to complete every UK full-distance and 70.3 Ironman in a single year. His and Mason's campaign, Mission Possible, concluded in Tenby in support of Andysmanclub, a mental health charity that aims to break stigma, spark conversation, and encourage men to talk.