Ironman Wales gets underway in Tenby - live updates

Over 2,000 athletes have lined up on Tenby's North Beach to tackle one of the most brutal endurance events a human can do - an ironman triathlon.

During the course of today, competitors will attempt to complete a 2.4-mile sea swim, hilly 112-mile bike ride and full marathon within 17 hours. One minute more and you are not an Ironman.

But this is not any ironman, this is Ironman Wales. The course at Tenby is renowned for being one of the toughest (though incredibly beautiful). The hills of Pembrokeshire can (and do) break the spirit of even a hardened athlete.

However what makes Ironman Wales stand out is not the course, or even the scenery, it is the way local people embrace the event. You can read our special report on how the race helped transform the once one stage and hen party hotspot here.

Our live blog will bring you all the latest images and updates from the course as the (quite frankly crazy) athletes take on the race. You can read updates below.