Pembrokeshire has received a £4m economic boost from the Ironman Wales weekend, tourism chiefs have estimated.

The massive cash injection from athletes and visitors is without the spend generated by pre-race preparations and training events.

And the television coverage generated by such a high profile event is ‘something money can’t buy’, said Pembrokeshire County Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for major events, Councillor Rob Lewis.

He described the 2014 Ironman Wales as ‘simply awesome’ with between 35,000 and 40,000 people on Tenby’s streets at 6pm cheering the competitors home.

The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority’s director of delivery and discovery, James Parkin, commented: “In addition to the economic benefits, the events highlights the importance of the National Park landscape to tourism and helps boost the number of people enjoying the outdoors to keep fit and healthy.”

Added Pembrokeshire Tourism’s chief executive, Maudie Hughes: “Ironman Wales is a superb event for Pembrokeshire, and one that Pembrokeshire people can be proud of.

“The boost provided by the event is welcomed by those in the tourism and visitor trade.”