Hundreds of sporty youngsters took to the streets of Tenby this afternoon (Saturday) for Ironkids Wales - the curtain-raiser event for tomorrow’s massive Ironman Wales spectacular.

With excitement mounting ahead of the ultimate triathlon challenge facing the 2,000-strong field of adult athletes, the 750 Ironkids, aged from three to 14, showed their mettle with some steely performances.

The crowds cheered and high-fived the enthusiastic youngsters all the way along the red carpet to the finishing arch on Tenby ’s Esplanade after they ran a variety of distances according to their ages.

With the youngest age groups trotting along over 500 metres accompanied by adults, the pace hotted up as the older runners tackled their 1,500 metre course.

Every runner received an Ironkids t-shirt and was presented with their own Ironkids medal, with GB professional triathlete and Ironman contestant, Amy Forshaw, on hand to offer her congratulations.

Said Kevin Stewart, managing director of Ironman Northern Europe: “This is a fantastic start to the weekend’s racing and it’s great to see so many children and their families here supporting the event. Our aim is to give kids the opportunity to be part of a world class event and we hope that by having a go today it has made them feel part of the weekend and they will enjoy many more years of sport and triathlon.”

At least 50% of the Ironkids competitors have parents participating in Ironman Wales tomorrow, which gets underway at 7am on Tenby’s North Beach. The event will see over 2000 athletes aged 18 to 71 from 49 countries compete in the 2.4 mile sea swim, a 112 mile bike through the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and a 26.2 mile run in and around Tenby. The first male pro athlete is expected to achieve this in just under nine hours, crossing the finish line on The Esplanade from about 15:45pm.

Supporters are encouraged to come and cheer all the athletes along and enjoy the entertainment right up to the 17 hour cut off at midnight.

The weekend’s events are free for spectators to come and watch. With Ironman Wales action taking place across Pembrokeshire there are a number of spectator vantage points . For further information please visit www.ironmanwales.com