Sport

Global athletes descend on Pembrokeshire for epic Wales Swimrun challenge

Published

5 months ago

July 26, 2025

Saundersfoot Harbour hosts dramatic finish as coastal endurance event pushes competitors to their limits

AN INTERNATIONAL field of endurance athletes made waves in Pembrokeshire this weekend, as Saundersfoot Harbour played host to the dramatic conclusion of the Wales Swimrun—an extreme multisport race now recognised on the world stage.

The event, which took place on Saturday (July 26), saw over 200 competitors from 20 countries take on the challenging mix of coastal trail running and open-water sea swimming, starting from Freshwater East and culminating in a spectacular finish along Saundersfoot’s bustling harbour decking.

Now officially part of the Envol Global Swimrun Series, the Wales Swimrun is fast becoming one of the most iconic fixtures on the international endurance calendar. The event is organised by Activity Wales Events, which has been praised for its slick logistics, warm community atmosphere, and showcasing of Pembrokeshire’s rugged beauty.

Coast to coast, with no let-up

Athletes were bussed out from Saundersfoot Harbour early on Saturday morning for staggered starts along the coast. Full-distance competitors faced an estimated 22 kilometres of trail running and 7 kilometres of sea swimming, with the sprint category covering a shorter but still gruelling route.

The course wound its way from Freshwater East through Manorbier, Lydstep, Tenby and Waterwynch Bay, before snaking back inland and descending triumphantly onto the Saundersfoot promenade, cheered by hundreds of spectators and volunteers.

The Pembrokeshire Coast Path and its surrounding bays provided a dramatic backdrop—but also a series of relentless climbs, sharp terrain, and strong tides that tested even the most experienced athletes.

Partnership with Saundersfoot Harbour

This year marks the first in a three-year partnership between Activity Wales and Saundersfoot Harbour Authority, securing the popular seaside village as the official race finish location.

Nicola Gandy, representing Saundersfoot Harbour, said: “It’s been incredible to welcome the Swimrun community to the harbour. The atmosphere has been electric, and the event brings real energy and visibility to Saundersfoot. We’re proud to be part of it.”

The partnership is expected to benefit local businesses and tourism, with many cafés, restaurants and shops reporting increased footfall over the weekend.

A community effort

Volunteers were stationed along the course to provide hydration, safety support, and encouragement, while marshals ensured racers stayed on track. The event also included a Friday evening welcome dinner and race briefing at Regency Hall, reinforcing the event’s inclusive and communal spirit.

The Herald understands organisers are keen to promote Pembrokeshire’s coastline as a premier global destination for endurance sport, with the Swimrun event forming part of a wider strategy to increase year-round tourism and community engagement.

Competitors raced either solo or in pairs, linked by a mandatory towline and required to stay within 10 metres of each other throughout the race.

Looking ahead

With its status as a qualifier for the Envol World Championship, the Wales Swimrun is now firmly on the global circuit. Organisers are already looking ahead to 2026, with plans to expand categories and further enhance local involvement.

One spectator, James Griffiths from Tenby, said: “We came down with the kids to watch the finish and were absolutely blown away. The effort the athletes put in—and the way the whole village has embraced it—is just brilliant.”

As the last competitors crossed the line just before the 2:30pm cut-off, the sense of achievement, camaraderie and local pride was unmistakable.

Images: Activity Wales Events/Herald

Sport

Keeper scores 121st-minute wonder goal before saving two penalties

Published

10 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Herald Sport

Cwmamman United stun Tenby AFC in an unforgettable 3-3 thriller to reach the last sixteen of the West Wales Intermediate Cup

Cwmamman Utd 3 Tenby AFC 3 (Cwm win 3–2 on pens)

AN EXTRAORDINARY cup tie unfolded at Grenig Park as Cwmamman United and Tenby AFC shared a breathless 3-3 draw, before the hosts edged through 3–2 on penalties.

Tenby struck almost instantly, with Lloyd Hughes finding the net inside the opening minute. Cwm hit back on 14 minutes when Cam Isaac produced a superb finish to level the tie, but Joe Leahy restored Tenby’s lead before the break – a goal that for long spells looked like it might settle the contest.

Deep into stoppage time, however, Cwmamman refused to accept defeat. In the 100th minute, Jackson Brereton pounced to smash home an equaliser and force extra time.

The drama only intensified. Tenby were awarded a hotly disputed penalty in the 114th minute, converted confidently by Hughes. The spot-kick also saw Cwm’s Kieran Rees – who had been excellent alongside Kai O’Donnell at the heart of the defence – shown a red card.

But with virtually the last kick of the game, Cwm’s goalkeeper Kai Rees strode forward for a final desperate attack and unleashed a stunning 25-yard volley to make it 3-3, sparking wild celebrations around the ground.

Rees was far from finished. In the decisive shootout, he produced two superb saves to secure a 3–2 penalty win and send Cwmamman United into the last sixteen of the West Wales Intermediate Cup.

Photo: Cwm goalkeeper Kai Rees.

News

South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association – Week Twelve results

Published

10 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Herald Sport

A PACKET week of fixtures in the South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association’s Friendly League saw key wins at both ends of the table as teams continue to jostle for position going into the second half of the season.

Match results (Week 12):

Hundleton 10–0 Lamphey
Badgers 2–8 St Johns
Reynalton 0–10 Carew
Kilgetty 8–2 East Williamston
Cosheston v Llanteg – postponed
St Twynnells – bye week

A previously postponed fixture was also completed, with St Twynnells drawing 5–5 with Reynaltón.

League table (after Week 12):
East Williamston remain top, having played 10 and won eight, with a strong shots difference of +125. Reynaltón sit second after 11 games with 58 points, while St Johns and Hundleton follow closely behind on 54 points each.

At the mid-table mark, Carew (49 points), St Twynnells (48) and Kilgetty (46) remain tightly grouped. Badgers, Lamphey, Llanteg and Cosheston make up the lower order, though the number of games played varies, leaving room for movement in the coming weeks.

Full standings:

Team	P	W	D	L	S/D	Points
East Williamston	10	8	0	2	+125	72
Reynaltón	11	5	2	4	+35	58
St Johns	10	5	1	4	+32	54
Hundleton	10	5	1	4	-2	54
Carew	9	5	0	4	-25	49
St Twynnells	10	4	2	4	-34	48
Kilgetty	11	5	0	6	-44	46
Badgers	11	3	1	7	-59	45
Lamphey	11	5	0	6	-10	44
Llanteg	8	4	0	4	-5	41
Cosheston	9	3	1	5	-13	40

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Sport

Haverfordwest RFC names Team of the Week

Published

14 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Herald Sport

HAVERFORDWEST Rugby Football Club has announced its latest Team of the Week, celebrating standout performers from across the junior age groups following another busy weekend of fixtures.

Players from the U7s through to the U16s Eagles have been highlighted for their work rate, teamwork and commitment on the pitch, with coaches praising the effort shown by all who took part.

The club said the selections recognise not only individual performances but the dedication shown by players at training and during matches throughout the season.

Parents and supporters were quick to share their congratulations online, with particular praise for U12s players George Bentley and Tom Wheeler, who impressed during their fixture.

Team of the Week – 14 December 2025

U7s: Ollie Bromham & Arthur Slee
U8s: Theo Headland & Lyla Phillips
U9s: Theo Canton & George Thornton
U10s: Rhys Davies
U10s Eagles: Frankie Campbell
U11s: Griff Jenkins & Ollie Edwards
U12s: George Bentley & Tom Wheeler
U12s Eagles: Cyra Ellis
U15s: Logan Keane
U16s Eagles: Laura Cichon

Coaches thanked players and families for their continued support as Haverfordwest RFC moves through the winter fixtures, saying the positivity around the club remains a key part of its success.