IRONMAN Wales has been secured in Pembrokeshire until 2021, it was officially announced today (Thursday).

Representatives of the iconic sporting event and Pembrokeshire County Council met to formally seal the deal on a five-year agreement, as excitement builds up in the county, and particularly the host town of Tenby, for Sunday's race.

The authority's cabinet agreed in June to pay £50,000 a year to Ironman to secure the agreement. This figure includes a £16,000 annual contribution from the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, with Tenby Town Council contributing £5,000 in the first year.

Ironman Wales has become a major tourism boost for Pembrokeshire, bringing an estimated £4m into the local economy each year.

The presence of over 2,200 athletes from 45 countries - together with thousands of supporters - translates into an estimated 59,000 bed nights for the region.

Said Lisa Dent, Ironman Wales race director: "We are delighted to be extending Ironman Wales' stay in Pembrokeshire for the next five years.

"We have watched this race grow into one of the most sought-after race destinations in the world, and the roles of Pembrokeshire County Council, the Pembrokeshire business community and the Pembrokeshire community at large in the success of the event cannot be overstated."

She added: "The course is probably one of the most stunning triathlon courses I have ever had the pleasure of working on. All the athletes are really excited about coming to Tenby, and what they look forward to most is the welcome they receive, not only in the town but the whole of Pembrokeshire.

"They will be equally excited to know that we have secured the immediate future of Ironman Wales here."

Welcoming the announcement, Pembrokeshire County Council's leader, Councillor David Simpson, said: "Ironman Wales, Pembrokeshire is recognised as an international event bnacked by a global brand that helps promote Pembrokeshire as a county.

"Pembrokeshire County Council is very happy to be involved, as it makes a significant contribution to the local economy."

*Ironman Wales 2017 gets underway on Sunday at 6.55am, when athletes tackle the 2.4 mile swim at Tenby's North Beach. This will be followed by the 112-mile bike ride, taking in the coast and countryside of south Pembrokeshire, and the 26.2 mile run in and around Tenby.

Saturday afternoon sees the popular Ironkids run event, where youngsters of all ages can experience the thrill of finishing under the iconic Ironman Wales arch on Tenby's Esplanade.

For more information, see ironman.com/wales