Pembrokeshire Coast Triathlon
On July 16th 2022 athletes from far and wide descended on Broad Haven Beach to take on the Pembrokeshire Coast Triathlon. Well over 300 competitors gathered on the sands under the sweltering sun to take on one of Wales’ most scenic triathlon routes. The course included a 1500m open water swim just off the coast, a 42km bike ride and a 10km run including climbs and descents as it traversed parts of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. Set amongst the natural beauty of Pembrokeshire, the course has been a three-time winner of Welsh Triathlon Event of the Year and a one-time winner of British Triathlon Event of the Year.
Bluestone was proud to once again be a sponsor of this great event, with members of staff on hand on the day helping the brilliant team at the Pembrokeshire Triathlon Club run the event, whilst also cheering on all the amazing athletes taking part.
Not just on hand to help out, amongst the crowd of terrific triathletes 5 of Bluestone’s best lined up ready to take on the course. Our fab five included Head of Leisure, Mike Slack, Dan Gosnold from our Blue Lagoon team, Catherine Bidgood and Iwan Rees from our Sales team, and Matthew Smith from our Maintenance team. All of our team members successfully conquered the course despite the high temperatures on the day, with Mike completing the course in a hugely impressive time of 2:26:06 finishing in the top 10 of all competitors!
Catching up with the team before they pulled on their tri-suits and swim caps, they spoke about why they push themselves to take part in these marathon events:
“My first triathlon was the Broad Haven Triathlon back in 2013” said Mike our Head of Leisure.
“Since then, I’ve done countless triathlons, countless marathons and 14 Ironman’s”
“Doing triathlon for me gives me great mental wellbeing and physically keeps me in great condition, so I can eat whatever I want!”
Also taking on the course was member of our Sales Team here at Bluestone, Catherine:
“I got into triathlon about 3 to 4 years ago” said Catherine.
“It really does keep you fit, it’s helped me to lose weight and it’s really good for your mental health”
“It’s a massive sense of achievement and I feel on top of the world after it.”
“After I’ve finished a race the first thing I do is get some food and drink as I’ve burned a lot of calories, and then I have a pint as I think I deserve it!”
Despite being immersed in the competition as an athlete or as a spectator, the natural beauty of the settings of the Pembrokeshire Coast Triathlon is undeniable and has to be admired. The swim takes competitors 200m offshore, where experienced kayakers and a RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) are stationed on the clear waters to guide the swimmers round. The beaming summer reflected off the calm waters as the throng of competitors pumped legs and swung arms as they surged round the 1500m swim.
Pembrokeshire is perfect for wild swimming. Explore the best spots here:
Wild Swimming in Pembrokeshire
Bursting out of the ocean and back onto the shore, it’s time for a challenging but scenic 42km bike ride, that includes leg-burning climbs and fast descents. The 10km run is what offers the most spectacular of scenery however. With around 3km of the run taking place on the Coast Path, the course offers stunning views of St. Bride’s Bay and St. David’s as well as Ramsey Island.
Want to explore more of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path? Discover some of our favourite hidden gems here:
Hidden Gems of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path
The final stretch see’s the athletes charge down hillside onto the shore of Broad Haven Beach where it all started hours prior, storming across the beachfront sand and across the finish line. It was a monumental effort from our Bluestone 5 along with all the other athletes competing on the day. Bluestone is proud to sponsor an event that showcases and promotes the best in physical fitness and mental wellbeing and determination, all set amongst the stunning scenery of Pembrokeshire, the county we call home.
Discover more of what Bluestone and Pembrokeshire has to offer.