Race Report: Nathan Bevan at Ironman Wales 2025

21 September 2025 – Tenby, Wales

Coach’s Introduction

Nathan is one of the most experienced athletes I coach, and someone I’ve worked with for many years. When you’ve been in the sport as long as he has, producing year-on-year improvements becomes increasingly difficult. You’re no longer chasing quick gains — you’re refining, thinking smarter, and squeezing out every marginal improvement.

So for Nathan to deliver a 40-minute run PB on the Ironman Wales course — one of the toughest marathon routes in long-course racing — is extraordinary. It’s a testament to his consistency, durability, and belief that there was still another level to unlock.

What follows is Nathan’s race report in his own words — detailed, honest and full of insight for anyone preparing for Ironman Wales.

Nathan’s Race Report

Pre-Race Logistics

Travel & Accommodation

Living in the Rhondda meant only a two-hour drive to Tenby on the Friday before the race. I stayed at the Atlantic Hotel on the Esplanade, a perfect location directly on the finish-line road. It books up extremely early; I had secured it the year before.

The hotel offers an early breakfast for athletes, has a swimming pool, and provides secure bike storage (or you can keep your bike in your room). Parking is limited, so if their car park is full, you’ll need to use public parking in town.

Accommodation in Tenby during Ironman weekend is notoriously difficult. If you’re planning to race, book as early as possible. Road closures make race-day access challenging unless you are in town very early or use the Carew Airfield park & ride.

Registration & Pre-Race Experience

Registration is held in the 5 Arches car park. As always, you pass through the merchandise tent first — very dangerous for the bank account. I limited myself to a race T-shirt and stickers.

The registration process is slick: scan your QR code, collect your wristband, race number, rucksack, swim cap, and your three transition bags (Blue Bike, Red Run, Pink Bag).

The expo has shrunk in recent years, mostly Ironman-branded gear and partners, though the Hyperice boots are always worth a go. Tenby gets noticeably busier throughout Friday and Saturday with IronKids and bike racking — book Saturday evening meals in advance.

My Story – A Long-Distance Comeback

This race marked my return to long-distance triathlon. I retired after Challenge Roth in 2023, thinking my full-distance days were done. But supporting at Tenby in 2024 reignited the fire, and before long, I was signed up again with a new mission: run a marathon PB.

In my race plan to Lawrence, I wrote: “Thanks for the prep in getting me to this point — I know I have a good Ironman run in me and I will execute it in this race.”

Training & Readiness

I structured my season around two 70.3 races: Ironman Mallorca in May (8-minute course PB) and the Cotswolds Classic in July (my first non-wetsuit swim). These performances gave me confidence entering the heavy Ironman training blocks.

Training went well — long runs around three hours, six-hour rides, and double-session weekends. Many sessions were solo, ideal practice for the lonely sections of Tenby’s bike course.

My goals were simple: course PB and marathon PB.

Pre-Race Routine

Race day started at 4:15am with a cup of tea. Overnight rain left puddles on the hotel roof. Breakfast was porridge, toast, jam, and tea, with a banana and croissant for after bike checks.

Being close to transition meant I could return to the room after prepping the bike. That’s when I discovered my power meter wasn’t working due to water damage. Thankfully, Lawrence and I had prepared a solid backup pacing strategy, so I switched to it immediately.

Swim Start Mindset

I arrived at the beach early after learning my lesson in 2023 with spectator bottlenecks. I poured water into my wetsuit to warm up before the cold sea. The atmosphere was electric — parachutists, smoke trails, music, nervous faces everywhere.

Game face on. Visualising the first buoy. Ready for the day ahead.

The Race Experience

Swim – 1:19:53

My slowest Tenby swim, and slightly disappointing. Lap one was physical around the turn buoys. I hit the Ozzie exit at around 39 minutes, slower than hoped. Early in lap two, I was stung in the face by a jellyfish — unpleasant, but no panic. Conditions were choppy but manageable.

The final buoys were chaotic, worse than lap one. I went wide to avoid congestion, but many others had the same idea. The swim was a grind back to shore, though the water was warmer than the air.

Transition 1 – 00:16:57

Up the zig-zags, wetsuit off, feet rinsed (I can’t stand sandy feet), then the long run through town with massive crowd support. In the tent I was lucky to get a bench. Kit sorted quickly, then out onto the bike course.

Bike – 7:02:37

The Ironman Wales bike course is deceptive. The fast opening stretch to Angle and Pembroke encourages athletes to burn matches early before the real climbing begins. Without power data, I used a Best Bike Split–informed crib sheet taped to my stem.

The plan worked until Narberth on lap two, when the wind picked up dramatically. The final 10 miles were a grind into a strong headwind.

Bike Course Notes

• Terrain: Flat(ish) early, then relentless climbing from midway.
• Road Surface: Mixed, with rural lanes and rain runoff causing issues.
• Drafting: Natural bunching on climbs but nothing problematic.
• Nutrition: Three carb bottles, solids, gels, chews; course bottles were electrolyte.
• Weather: Heavy winds late in the ride.

Transition 2 – 00:07:56

My fastest T2 ever. Bike racked, run kit on, arm warmers off (in hindsight, a mistake), calf guards on, and out for the marathon.

Run – 4:23:11

The Ironman marathon has always been my weakness — but not today.

• Lap 1: 01:01:12 (5:37/km) – Comfortable and controlled.
• Lap 2: 02:14:01 (7:12/km) – Heavy legs, early fade, brief walk on Narberth hill.
• Lap 3: 03:20:12 (5:20/km) – Dramatic turnaround after paracetamol; legs came back.
• Lap 4: 04:22:42 (5:24/km) – Strong push for the PB.

A negative split marathon on one of the toughest Ironman run courses in the world. The finish line was emotional — my final Ironman Wales, completed with a massive run PB.

I achieved a 44-minute course run PB and a 19-minute marathon PB. I’ve never done a standalone marathon, but now I’m curious what I can do on a flat one.

Post-Race Reflection

What went well?

I raced smart in the conditions. Cold, wind, toughness — none of it derailed me. I stayed patient and resilient.

What didn’t go to plan?

The final part of the bike was extremely tough due to wind. Lap two of the run felt dangerous, but thankfully turned around dramatically.

What would I do differently?

Hard to say. I’ve raced Tenby three times and each has been completely different — monsoon (2013), heatwave (2023), wind (2025). That unpredictability is part of the magic.

Course & On-The-Day Logistics

Swim

• Clear anti-clockwise course
• Rolling start works well with honest self-seeding
• Plenty of safety craft

Bike

• Good traffic management
• Clear signage despite rural roads
• Well-spaced feed stations

Run

• Simple out-and-back to New Hedges
• Excellent use of barriers in town
• Outstanding volunteer support
• Lots of feed stations; Coke and crisps were perfect

Post-Race Experience

The finish-line atmosphere was unreal — packed streets, huge noise, the MC calling your name. The medal was big and impressive, plus a finisher hoodie and towel. Inside the tent there was pizza, cake, fruit, hot drinks, and even beer — which I absolutely did have.

Leaving transition was crowded due to low lighting and family waiting with bags, but my hotel was close, so no stress.

Ratings (1–10)

Would I Recommend This Race?

Absolutely. Ironman Wales is a race you will remember forever. Tenby embraces the event fully — flags, crowds, atmosphere like nowhere else.

Additional Tips

• Plan a training weekend and ride the small loop twice — essential insight into the climbs.
• Book accommodation very early.
• Always have a backup pacing plan in case tech fails.
• Prepare for any weather — Tenby delivers everything.