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Hofmann wins as thousands take on Ironman Wales

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.

Hofmann said: "It's my second Ironman race and it's one of the toughest races I can imagine.

"Today it all fit together. I don't know how but it worked and I was feeling so good."

Runner-up Wild said: "I've cried and I've laughed but I'm so proud of myself.

"I was going to aim high and for my best but I didn't think that (finishing second) was going to happen today."

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

"To come away with a win with everything that has gone into it and all the people who help out is a massive reward for everybody, not just myself," said Eccleston.

'It gets better every time'

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.

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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

Former Wales and British and Irish Lions wing Shane Williams was among the competitors, the eighth time he has taken on the challenge.

He said: "I honestly think it gets better and better, this is probably the best support I've seen. When you've got the support like that on both sides it's incredible. I can't explain how much I absolutely love it.

"I think my favourite today was the run and that was purely because of the support. It's an Ironman - it's all hard, but you enjoy it at the same time."

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!"

As well as Williams, ex-Wales women's rugby international Sioned Harries also took part as well as former Ireland rugby league and Leeds Rhinos player turned endurance athlete Luke Ambler.

Ambler was attempting to complete every UK full-distance and 70.3 Ironman in a single year. His 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.