Some people are still planning on completing the Ironman Wales course this weekend - despite the fact that the event was cancelled three months ago due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The hugely popular event, which was due to take place on Sunday in Tenby, normally attracts thousands of competitors from across the UK, but the decision was made to cancel it on June 9 due to Covid-19.
Despite that, police have confirmed that some people are still intent on travelling to Tenby this weekend in order to take part in some or all of the course, which includes cycling, swimming and running.
While stopping short of warning people to not complete or race the course, police have issued advice to would-be competitors.
A spokeswoman for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “We’re aware some people are planning to travel to Tenby to race the Ironman route this weekend, and while we understand people have trained really hard to compete, and are disappointed the race is cancelled, we are concerned about the impact of racing without any road closures or the usual support.
“Please don’t cycle in packs - our roads make the best Ironman route because they are challenging. They are also likely to be busy, as visitor numbers are still high, and are therefore very dangerous.
“If you’re planning on swimming, please ensure the conditions are appropriate and your swim doesn’t risk others who may be called to help you, and if you’re planning to take on that hill for the run, please consider the need for social distancing and give way to others. In part, the road is fast and the pavements are narrow.
“We look forward to welcoming athletes and supporters back to Tenby next year.”
Despite new cases of coronavirus being low in Wales compared to certain parts of the UK, a two-metre social distancing guideline remains in place throughout the country. This, along with the potential for large numbers of people taking on the route without the usual infrastructure of the official event in place, has led to some concern over safety.
Responding to police advice on social media, Kirsty-Leigh Rees said: “Cancelled means cancelled! It was cancelled for safety reasons - do you think us locals want people from all over the UK coming here, even though there are still cases of the virus? Granted it’s not as bad at the moment, but places are being locked down (again).”
Angela Harries also thought it could prove a problematic weekend for Tenby, saying: “It’s not exercising. It’s a race putting your lives at risk as well as (being a) danger to road users.”
Kevin Robert Burgess said: “Why on earth are people going to race around the bike route? With roads not closed it will be very dangerous in some places. Take care out there. My advice is go next year and don’t upset the locals.”
Anne Bowen agreed, posting: “What don’t you understand about the race being CANCELLED? This route could be dangerous with traffic on the road.”
However, many disagree with these sentiments and do not see an issue with people coming to Tenby to complete at least part of the Ironman route.
Ben Moreton said: “This weekend is going to bring a lot of money to Tenby, money I’m pretty sure business owners are very much looking forward to.
"It’s up to us all to social distance and it should be policed. But to be angry at people for exercising is just outright bonkers.”
Mr Moreton also contested the opinion that this weekend’s activity will constitute a race - arguing instead that it will be a form of exercise and training, but “NOT a race”.
Watch our video of Ironman Wales in 2018
Drawing comparisons with other large groups that have descended on Tenby since lockdown measures eased in recent weeks, James Oulsnam said: “You’ll accept tourists with open arms who congregate in Tenby drinking heavily, putting much more risk to the locals than triathletes - a group of people who are generally extremely health conscious who would also be spending less time in Tenby and more time socially distanced running, swimming or on their bike?"
Meanwhile, David Pearce, who was due to take part in Ironman Wales 2020 but is staying at home due to having the option of cancelling his hotel, said: “I am sure the local economy will welcome anyone visiting Tenby this weekend with open arms (socially distanced of course!).
“Why moan about us athletes before the weekend? You might find we are a lovely bunch respectful of current legislation.”
Pembrokeshire Council has said that it strongly supports the advice issued by police.
In June, one business owner in Tenby admitted that each Ironman Wales event represents a “monster weekend for us”, but added that he believed it was without doubt the right decision to cancel.
The triathlon event - made up of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile cycle ride before a 26.2 mile marathon - has been held in Tenby every year since 2011. The 2020 was cancelled, rather than postponed, and the next scheduled event is set for September 12, 2021.
